MOSCOW, Russia says its forces are carrying out targeted strikes on military facilities in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in response to attacks by Ukrainian forces.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also urged foreign nationals and diplomatic staff to leave Ukraine and avoid travelling to the country.
In a statement cited by Reuters, the ministry said Russian forces were continuing systematic strikes on military facilities in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Moscow said the strikes were a response to what it described as attacks by Ukrainian forces against Russian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Russia Issues Warning to Foreign Nationals
The Russian Foreign Ministry repeated its warning to foreign citizens, including diplomatic mission staff.
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It advised them not to remain in Ukraine or travel to the country.
The ministry also warned that people who ignored the advice would bear responsibility for any consequences.
The statement did not provide further details about the number or location of the military targets Russia said it had struck.
Kyiv Infrastructure Comes Under Pressure
Russia has increased attacks on infrastructure in Kyiv in recent days, according to the report.
An airstrike on Saturday also targeted a bridge over the Dnipro River, according to the Ukrainian authorities and reports cited in the source material.
The intensified attacks have disrupted daily life in the capital. Kyiv has a population of around three million people and is preparing for the difficult winter months.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this week that Ukraine was paying a price for attacks against Russia.
Putin also said Russian forces would continue their systematic strikes against targets in Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine Exchange Attacks
The escalation comes as Russia and Ukraine continue attacks against targets linked to each other’s war effort.
In recent months, both sides have increased attacks involving vessels carrying grain in the Black Sea.
Ukraine has also targeted Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure. Ukrainian drones have, meanwhile, killed civilians in Russia’s border regions, according to Russian authorities.
Both Russia and Ukraine deny deliberately targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure.
The latest Russian warning comes as fighting continues despite international efforts to reduce the conflict and pursue a political settlement.
