Russia plans major strikes on Kyiv defence sites, warns foreigners to leave

Russia has warned foreign nationals to leave Kyiv as Moscow prepares what it described as a “series of systematic strikes” targeting Ukraine’s defence industry facilities.

In a statement on Monday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the planned attacks were in response to a Ukrainian drone strike last week on a student dormitory in Starobilsk in occupied Luhansk, which Moscow says killed at least 18 people.

The ministry said the strikes would target “specific sites where UAVs are designed, manufactured, programmed, and prepared for use”.

It added that such facilities “are scattered throughout Kyiv,” and urged “foreign citizens, including personnel of diplomatic missions and international organisations, to leave the city as soon as possible”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of the plans and advised the evacuation of US embassy staff from Kyiv.

Ukraine denied responsibility for the Starobilsk strike, saying it targeted an elite Russian drone command unit.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of using “‌Russian blackmail” to pressure allies.

Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on Kyiv in recent days, including reported use of the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile.