Russia Warns Foreign Missions to Evacuate Kyiv Ahead of Planned Systematic Strikes
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a formal notice to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 26, 2026, advising the immediate evacuation of diplomatic personnel from Kyiv. Moscow cited plans for 'consistent and systematic strikes' on the capital's defense and decision-making infrastructure in retaliation for a deadly Ukrainian drone attack in Starobilsk. While the European Union mission announced its intention to remain, the threat marks a critical escalation and the end of the Victory Day ceasefire.