Russia warns foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv
Ukrainian authorities reported six deaths across the country. Russia on Saturday warned foreign diplomats and nationals to leave Kyiv and said it would continue targeted strikes on the Ukrainian capital, hours after a Russian attack damaged the Northern Bridge.
Elsewhere, Russian attacks on Kharkiv and nearby areas killed five people and wounded more than 40, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.
The Russian foreign ministry said Moscow was responding to what it called Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilians and infrastructure. “In response to the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ terrorist acts against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure of our country, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are continuing to systematically carry out targeted strikes on military facilities in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities,” it said. “We note with concern that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger,” it said, according to AFP. Russian drone strikes in Izyum wounded three people, local authorities said. Moldovan president Maia Sandu said the conflict was “dangerously reaching” her country after what she said were Russian airspace incursions.
The ministry again urged foreign nationals, including diplomatic staff, against staying in or travelling to Ukraine. Additionally, the ministry informed that, “responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning.