Russia has threatened to launch a fresh wave of "systematic strikes" against Kyiv, targeting "decision-making centres" and drone manufacturing facilities. Moscow called for foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the capital "as soon as possible."
Large-scale Russian strikes on Saturday night killed four and injured about 100 in Kyiv and other areas, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed. Moscow said the attack was retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in the occupied town of Starobilsk, which it claims killed 21 people. Ukraine insists it targeted an elite Russian drone unit, not civilians.
The barrage follows a brief ceasefire over Moscow's Victory Day parade. Prior strikes this month killed 24 people in a Kyiv apartment block. Saturday's assault included dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, hundreds of drones, and a hypersonic Oreshnik missile. Non-military targets like the Chernobyl Museum and the National Art Museum were damaged or destroyed. A shopping center and residential buildings were also hit.
Analysts say the evacuation warning is a form of psychological pressure. Ukraine has developed a layered air defense system that intercepts most projectiles, but Russia often overwhelms it with sheer numbers. Kyiv remains dependent on foreign-supplied systems; Zelensky recently warned of a potential deficit due to the U.S.-Iran conflict.