Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the US to evacuate its diplomats from its embassy in Kyiv during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, May 25, the Kremlin said.
The statement came after Russia warned of “systematic strikes” against Kyiv in the coming days following another major barrage over the weekend.
“On May 25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement, according to AFP.
“Sergei Lavrov drew attention to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement from May 25, which recommended that the United States, along with other states with missions in Kyiv, ensure the evacuation of their diplomatic personnel and other citizens from the Ukrainian capital,” it added.
On Monday, Russia’s foreign ministry said the decision followed an alleged Ukrainian attack against a dormitory in occupied Luhansk’s Starobilsk on Friday, claiming the incident had “exhausted Russia’s patience.”
The Ukrainian military rejected the accusations and said it targeted Russia’s elite Rubikon drone unit in Starobilsk.
Moscow said that in retaliation, Russian forces would target Ukrainian defense industry sites involved in the design, production, programming, and deployment of drones it alleges are used by Ukraine with “NATO assistance.”
Weekend barrage amid stalled peace talks
The warning came just days after another major attack on Kyiv and the Kyiv region on Sunday morning.
During the assault, Russia launched 600 drones and 90 missiles, including an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile. This is the third time Russia has used the weapon against Ukraine, which struck Bila Tserkva, roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Kyiv. At least four people were killed, and nearly 100 were injured across the country.
Damage was recorded in 50 locations across Kyiv, including residential buildings, schools, markets and a post office near Independence Square. Ukraine’s foreign ministry building was also hit, along with the National Art Museum, the Kyiv Opera Theater and the Chornobyl museum. US Ambassador to Ukraine Julie Davis condemned the attack.
Prior to the weekend’s barrage, the US embassy warned of “a potentially significant air attack” that could occur within 24 hours, urging both US and Ukrainian citizens to be ready to shelter.
The weekend barrage followed another major Russian attack between May 13-14, where a record 1,484 drones were launched across Ukraine within 24 hours.
The latest developments also coincide with Rubio’s remarks that Washington has effectively withdrawn from the Ukraine peace talks, citing a lack of progress.