By Blessing Nweke
Russia has threatened to launch a new wave of “systematic strikes” against Kyiv, escalating tensions days after carrying out one of the largest aerial assaults on the Ukrainian capital since the war began. Moscow said the attacks would target Ukrainian “decision-making centres,” military command posts and drone production facilities in the city.
In a statement released by Russia’s foreign ministry, foreign nationals and diplomats were urged to leave Kyiv “as soon as possible,” while residents were warned to avoid government and military buildings. Ukrainian officials condemned the warning, calling it “shameless blackmail” designed to intimidate both civilians and the international diplomatic community.
Ukraine’s government said Russian attacks on Kyiv have continued almost weekly since the start of the conflict and stressed that the security threat remains severe. President Volodymyr Zelensky said large-scale Russian strikes over the weekend killed at least four people and injured around 100 others in Kyiv and nearby regions.
Moscow claimed the latest barrage was retaliation for what it described as a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in Starobilsk, in occupied eastern Ukraine, where Russian officials said 21 people died. Ukraine denied targeting civilians, saying its forces had struck an elite Russian drone unit operating in the area.
Recent attacks have caused widespread destruction across Kyiv, damaging museums, residential buildings, shopping centres and markets. Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks since a temporary ceasefire linked to Victory Day celebrations ended earlier this month, raising fears of further escalation in the conflict.
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