Russia has warned of a new wave of “systematic strikes” targeting Kyiv, days after launching one of the largest attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the war began.
In a statement, Russia’s foreign ministry said future strikes would focus on “decision-making centres and command posts” as well as drone production facilities in the city. Moscow also urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv “as soon as possible” and advised people to avoid military and administrative sites.
The threat follows a massive overnight assault on Saturday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said killed four people and injured around 100 others across Kyiv and nearby regions.
Russia claimed the attacks were retaliation for what it described as a deliberate Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in Starobilsk, in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, where officials say 21 people died. Ukraine’s military denied targeting civilians, stating that its forces had struck an elite Russian drone unit operating in the area.
Since a temporary ceasefire linked to Russia’s Victory Day celebrations ended earlier this month, Kyiv has faced repeated waves of missile and drone attacks. One previous strike killed 24 people, including three children, after a residential building was hit.
Saturday’s barrage involved dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, hundreds of drones and even a hypersonic Oreshnik missile reportedly fired toward the Bila Tserkva area south of Kyiv.
Several civilian sites were damaged, including the Chernobyl Museum, the National Art Museum of Ukraine, residential buildings, markets and shopping centres.
Despite the heavy bombardment, Ukraine’s layered air defence systems intercepted many incoming missiles and drones. However, experts warn that the sheer scale of Russian attacks continues to overwhelm parts of the defence network.
President Zelensky has also previously warned that Ukraine could face shortages in air defence supplies due to shifting global military priorities linked to conflicts involving the United States and Iran.
The renewed threats have heightened fears of further escalation in the conflict, with many viewing Russia’s warning to foreign nationals as psychological pressure aimed at increasing panic in the capital.
