breaking

Russia Issues Evacuation Warning for Kyiv, Plans Fresh Strikes

Russia warned the United States on Tuesday to evacuate diplomats and citizens from Kyiv. Moscow cited plans for intensified military operations against Ukrainian targets. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov formally notified Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Monday call that Moscow would conduct systematic strikes on Ukrainian military facilities and what it termed decision-making centers throughout the capital. The Russian government issued a separate statement urging all foreign nationals, diplomatic personnel, and international organizations to depart Kyiv immediately. Moscow said strikes would focus on drone design, manufacturing, and programming facilities dispersed across the city. The warning also cautioned Kyiv residents against using military and government infrastructure. Lavrov emphasized the evacuation notice during his conversation with Rubio. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed Rubio spoke with Lavrov at the foreign minister's request, with discussions covering the Russia-Ukraine conflict, bilateral relations, and Iran.