In a statement released on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared that Moscow will persist in conducting targeted retaliatory strikes against military installations in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The ministry said these actions are a response to what it described as “terrorist acts” by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian civilians and infrastructure.

Warning to foreign nationals and diplomatic staff

The ministry warned foreign nationals, including members of diplomatic missions, that remaining in Ukraine or traveling to its territory now carries significant risk. “Responsibility for any adverse consequences lies entirely with those who ignore this warning,” the statement read.

Recent escalation in Kyiv

Russia has recently intensified its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, most notably striking a bridge over the Dnipro River in Kyiv on Saturday. The bridge hit in the air attack is a critical piece of the city’s transportation network, and the increased bombardment has disrupted daily life for Kyiv’s roughly three million residents as winter approaches.

Putin’s remarks on the conflict

President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Ukraine is paying the price for its own attacks on Russian territory and affirmed that Moscow will continue to systematically strike a variety of targets in the Ukrainian capital.

Broader regional impacts

Both Russia and Ukraine have escalated attacks on each other’s grain vessels in the Black Sea in recent months. Meanwhile, Russian oil refineries and other industrial facilities continue to face Ukrainian shelling, and Ukrainian drones have been reported to kill civilians in Russian border regions. Both sides maintain that they are not deliberately targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure.

International response

Western governments and international organizations have condemned the ongoing violence and called for the protection of civilians. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s warning to foreign diplomats underscores the heightened risk for foreign personnel operating in Ukraine.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the safety of foreign nationals and the stability of critical infrastructure in Kyiv remain major concerns for both the Ukrainian government and the international community.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.