Russia Warns Diplomats to Leave Ukraine as Strikes Intensify Around Kyiv

Russia warned foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Ukraine on Saturday, citing continued retaliatory strikes, and said responsibility for any consequences lies entirely with those who ignore the warning. The Russian Foreign Ministry said its forces are systematically targeting military facilities in Kyiv and other cities in response to what it called Ukrainian terrorist acts against Russian civilians and infrastructure. The warning followed intensified strikes around Kyiv, including an attack on the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River that damaged road surfaces and disrupted traffic. The conflict, now in its fourth year, has seen both sides accuse each other of targeting civilian-linked infrastructure and vessels, while denying deliberate attacks on civilians. The latest escalation comes as Kyiv, a city of about three million, prepares for winter with repeated strikes disrupting transport and essential services.