Russia Pledges to Continue Massive Strikes on Kyiv, Urges Foreign Diplomats to Leave City

By Reuters Oct. 3, 2026 HANDOUT / UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE / AFP Russia said on Saturday it would continue to carry out targeted retaliatory strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities and urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the capital. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that “in response to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' terrorist acts against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure of our country, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are continuing to systematically carry out targeted strikes on military facilities in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.” “The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again warns foreign nationals, including diplomatic mission staff, against staying in Ukraine or travelling to its territory.” “Responsibility for any adverse consequences lies entirely with those who ignore this warning,” the ministry said. Russia has recently escalated strikes on infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital, hitting a bridge across the Dnipro river in an air attack on Saturday. The intensifying campaign has upended life for the capital's 3 million residents ahead of the bitter winter months. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this week that Ukraine was paying the price for its own attacks on Russia and would continue to do so as Moscow's forces systematically strike different targets there. Both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks on the other side's grain vessels in the Black Sea in recent months, while Russian oil refineries and other enterprises continue to come under Ukrainian shelling and Ukrainian drones kill civilians in Russian border regions. Both sides deny targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure. Read more about: Kyiv , Drones Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Ukrainian Drone Strikes in Tula Region Kill 3 as Russian Barrage Sets Historic Kyiv Monastery Ablaze Russia’s military disputed the claim that it hit the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and said its forces only targeted Ukrainian defense companies. 2 Min read Russian Drone Strike Kills 3 in Ukraine Capital, Mayor Says The wounded included six children, said Mayor Vitali Klitschko. 1 Min read Russian Strikes Kill One, Damage Synagogue in Ukraine Emergency services said that one rescue worker was killed and five others were wounded while putting out a fire in the Kharkiv region. 1 Min read Russia Launches War’s Largest Drone Attack Just Days After Peace Talks, Ukraine Says One person was killed and parts of Ukraine were under an air raid alert for nine hours, with authorities saying Russia launched 273 drones. 2 Min read