Russia urges foreigners, diplomats to leave Kyiv as it vows continued strikes

MOSCOW — Russia on Saturday urged foreign citizens and diplomats in Kyiv to leave the Ukrainian capital and refrain from traveling to the country, while warning residents to stay away from military and administrative facilities.In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would continue sustained strikes against military targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in response to what it described as “terrorist actions” by Ukrainian forces against Russia’s civilian population and infrastructure.“The Russian Foreign Ministry once again warns foreign citizens, including diplomatic mission personnel, against staying in or traveling to Ukraine,” the ministry said. “Responsibility for any potential adverse consequences rests entirely with those who disregard this warning.”The ministry said the warning had previously been included in a May 25 statement and diplomatic notes sent to foreign partners and was reiterated during a May 27 briefing for the diplomatic corps by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.It said the United States, United Kingdom, EU countries, Norway and Switzerland had also repeatedly advised their citizens against traveling to Ukraine, most recently in August.“Many embassies remain operational in Kyiv, and foreign officials continue to visit Ukraine,” the ministry said, warning that those who disregard the advisories were “knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger.”“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes,” the ministry said.