Sunday, October 4, 2026

"Leave Kyiv Immediately"—Russia Issues Ultimatum-Like Evacuation Warning to Foreigners

Input
2026-10-04 00:36:52
Updated
2026-10-04 00:36:52
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, a Russian jet-powered drone strikes a bridge in Kyiv, Ukraine, on the 2nd (local time). /Photo: Yonhap News Agency

[Financial News] Russia has strongly urged foreign nationals and diplomats staying in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, to leave the city immediately, warning that it will continue large-scale airstrikes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation issued a statement on the 3rd (local time), saying, "Russian forces are carrying out systematic and sustained strikes against military targets in major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv," and announcing, "We will continue to conduct large-scale retaliatory airstrikes."
The ministry issued another warning, saying, "Foreign nationals, including diplomatic mission personnel, should leave Kyiv and immediately refrain from staying in or visiting Ukraine." It added, "Several foreign embassies are still operating in Kyiv, while foreign officials continue to visit and expose themselves to deadly risks," and continued, "Those involved bear full responsibility for any loss of life or property damage resulting from ignoring this warning."
The warning came as Russia raised pressure on Kyiv to its highest level by intensifying attacks on the city's critical infrastructure ahead of winter.
Russian forces recently launched concentrated airstrikes on bridges spanning the Dnieper River through Kyiv, using more than 100 drones and missiles. The Northern Bridge was damaged early that day, bringing vehicle traffic to a complete halt. Three of the six road bridges over the Dnieper River have been fully or partially closed following intense bombardment over the past three days, leaving the city's functions severely paralyzed.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation claimed that the destroyed bridges were legitimate military targets because they were being used as transit routes for Ukrainian troops and military supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, strongly criticized Russia for expanding its terrorism targeting civilian infrastructure to pressure the Ukrainian people by weaponizing the cold. Ukrainian forces have also retaliated by using drones to strike oil-refining facilities in Russia's southern Volgograd region and the Kaluga area, intensifying the exchanges between the two sides. 

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