Russia Warns Foreigners and Diplomats to Leave Kyiv

Russia on Saturday warned foreign nationals, including diplomatic staff, to leave Kyiv and said its forces would continue strikes on the Ukrainian capital and other cities. The warning was issued by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, which described the planned attacks as retaliatory; that justification was Moscow’s account and was not independently established in the reports. The ministry said people who remained in Ukraine or travelled there risked harm and placed responsibility for any adverse consequences on those who ignored its warning. It also advised foreigners to avoid areas near military facilities and government buildings. The statement did not identify a timing or specific targets for the further strikes. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, said on October 2 that no foreign diplomatic missions had notified Kyiv of plans to relocate personnel. He said missions are expected to inform the Ukrainian government if they intend to move. The absence of formal notices does not establish whether any missions have private contingency plans.