Russia Warns US to Evacuate Kyiv as Strikes Intensify

On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reached out to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to recommend the evacuation of American citizens and diplomats from Kyiv, citing imminent systematic strikes on the Ukrainian capital. This communication was initiated at the request of President Vladimir Putin, as reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Lavrov conveyed to Rubio that Russia intended to strike key facilities and 'decision-making centres' in Kyiv. The US State Department acknowledged the conversation, which covered the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, bilateral relations, and Iran. Since 2022, Russian forces have consistently bombarded Ukrainian cities, with a significant attack on Sunday involving an Oreshnik ballistic missile. Moscow characterized this assault as a response to a Ukrainian drone attack that resulted in 21 student fatalities in Luhansk. Ukraine's General Staff asserted that its forces targeted a Russian drone unit in Starobilsk and denied any strikes on civilian areas. The Kremlin has urged all foreign nationals, including diplomats, to evacuate Kyiv and advised residents to steer clear of military and administrative sites.