Russia issues Oct 3 warning for diplomats to leave Kyiv
Russia’s warning follows a bridge strike in Kyiv, where intensified attacks on infrastructure have disrupted life for 3 million residents before winter.
- Russia urged foreign diplomats and nationals to leave Kyiv on October 3, warning of continued large-scale strikes on the capital and other cities.
- The warning was expanded to advise all foreign nationals against remaining in or traveling to any part of Ukraine.
- Moscow justified the strikes as retaliation for what it termed "terrorist acts" by Ukraine's armed forces against Russian civilians and infrastructure.
- The warning coincided with a Russian air attack on a bridge in Kyiv and came as strikes on infrastructure intensified ahead of winter.
Russia urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv on October 3, 2026, warning that its forces would continue large-scale strikes on the Ukrainian capital and other cities.
A Russian air attack hit a bridge over the Dnipro River in Kyiv on October 3. Intensified strikes on the capital’s infrastructure have disrupted daily life for its 3 million residents as winter approaches.
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s warning extended beyond Kyiv, advising foreign nationals, including diplomatic personnel, against remaining in Ukraine or travelling to the country.
Russia describes strikes as retaliation
The Russian Foreign Ministry said its forces were systematically striking military facilities in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Moscow described the campaign as a response to what it called “terrorist acts” by Ukraine’s armed forces against Russian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said anyone ignoring its warning would bear full responsibility for any adverse consequences.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the week that Ukraine would continue paying for its attacks on Russia as Russian forces systematically struck different targets.
Black Sea grain ships face rising attacks
Russia and Ukraine have increased attacks on each other’s grain vessels in the Black Sea in recent months.
Ukrainian shelling continues to hit Russian oil refineries and other businesses, while Ukrainian drone attacks have killed civilians in Russian border regions.
Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure.
