Breaking: Russia warns foreigners in Kyiv as systematic attacks begin

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Russia has issued a warning to all foreign nationals in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, stating that the military will commence systematic attacks on various targets across the city ‘immediately’.

The announcement was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday evening local time. Moscow described last week’s deadly Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in Starobelsk, Luhansk region, as the ‘final straw’ for Russia.

‘This is the tipping point,’ the ministry stated, cited on Tuesday (26/5/2026).

‘In this context, the Russian Armed Forces will launch systematic attacks on Ukraine’s military-industrial complex in Kyiv, including sites where drones are designed, manufactured, programmed, and prepared for use. It will also affect decision-making centres and command posts,’ the ministry added.

The ministry stressed that attack targets will be spread throughout Kyiv, urging foreign nationals, including diplomats and international organisation representatives, to leave the Ukrainian capital immediately.

‘It is a warning to city residents to avoid military infrastructure and the administration of the Zelensky regime,’ the ministry said, referring to Ukraine’s president.

Last week’s drone attack on Starobelsk university killed at least 21 people, most of whom were teenage girls.

‘The Starobelsk attack is further proof of the Nazi and terrorist nature of the Kyiv regime, which deliberately targets civilians and does not hesitate to brutally kill children,’ the ministry claimed, adding that Moscow is changing its approach to the war in Ukraine.