Russia warns foreigners to leave Kyiv

Russia has warned foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv and avoid travelling to Ukraine, warning of further “massive” strikes against the Ukrainian capital. 

In a statement on Saturday (October 3), the Russian Foreign Ministry said it had previously warned foreign citizens and diplomatic personnel to leave Kyiv. It said Russian forces would continue carrying out retaliatory strikes and that those ignoring the warning would bear responsibility for any possible consequences.

The warning came as Russian attacks have intensified around Kyiv, with key infrastructure including bridges coming under attack. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the city needed to remain prepared for wartime conditions.

Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting civilian areas, while Moscow has denied deliberately targeting civilians. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said it had received no notifications from foreign diplomatic missions about plans to relocate from Kyiv as of Friday evening.