Russia Urges Foreign Nationals to Evacuate Kyiv Amid Strikes

On October 3, 2026, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a warning for diplomats and foreign nationals to evacuate Kyiv, citing the potential for new "massive" strikes on the Ukrainian capital. This warning follows an escalation in drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, particularly targeting key infrastructure in Kyiv.

The ministry stated that it had previously advised foreign nationals to leave the city and avoid traveling to Ukraine, expressing concern that not all had heeded these warnings. It emphasized that individuals who ignore the warning are exposing themselves to mortal danger and that any negative consequences would rest on them.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko indicated that the city should adopt a war footing due to the ongoing strikes, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of violating armed conflict rules by authorizing attacks on civilian areas, a claim the Kremlin has denied.