Russia has warned foreign nationals and diplomatic staff to leave Kyiv and avoid travelling to Ukraine, saying it will continue strikes on the capital and other Ukrainian cities.
In a statement on Saturday, 3 October, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the attacks as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilians and infrastructure. It said Russian forces were targeting military facilities, according to Reuters. Those descriptions are Moscow’s account of its campaign. reuters.com
The warning follows repeated attacks on Kyiv’s transport infrastructure, including a strike on the Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River.
Bridge Attack Disrupts Traffic
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Saturday’s strike damaged the bridge’s road surface and trolleybus cables, forcing traffic to stop. Two people were wounded, including one who was briefly hospitalised, the Associated Press reported.
Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged the attack, claiming the bridge supported Ukrainian troop movements and military deliveries.
The strike followed two days of attacks that had forced the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges across the Dnipro. apnews.com
No Relocation Notices Received, Ukraine Says
The latest Russian warning does not establish that foreign embassies are leaving Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, said on Friday evening that the ministry had received no requests or notifications from diplomatic missions planning to relocate, according to the Kyiv Independent.
His statement preceded Saturday’s renewed warning from Moscow.
The Guardian had reported, citing two unnamed senior diplomats, that contingency plans were being prepared to move embassies to Lviv or eastern Poland if Russia deliberately targeted foreign missions. Preparations for that possibility are separate from a decision to evacuate.
kyivindependent.com, theguardian.com
UK Advice Warns of Continuing Danger
The UK’s current travel advice for Ukraine, updated on 2 October, advises against all travel to Kyiv and most of the country.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says British nationals in areas covered by that warning should leave if they judge it safe to do so. It also warns that it cannot facilitate their departure or evacuation.
British nationals remaining in Ukraine are advised to follow local instructions and seek shelter immediately during air alerts. gov.uk
The immediate concern for Kyiv’s residents is further disruption to transport and essential services as winter approaches. UK guidance warns that attacks on Ukraine’s energy network can cause sudden power cuts and affect heating and water supplies. gov.uk
