The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its recommendation that foreign nationals, diplomats and staff of international organisations leave Kyiv. Moscow attributes this to the ongoing systematic strikes on targets in Ukraine, which it describes as military infrastructure. At the same time, as of the evening of 2 October, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not received any notifications from foreign diplomatic missions regarding their intention to leave the capital.
Briefly about the main points
- The Russian advice is aimed specifically at those currently in Kyiv.
- Moscow speaks of systematic and sustained attacks on Ukraine.
- The Northern Bridge was damaged, and traffic there was partially restricted.
- Western missions are drawing up contingency plans in the event of a sharp deterioration in the security situation.
- No decisions have yet been taken regarding the relocation of embassies.
Moscow reiterates its May recommendation to the diplomatic corps
The Russian agency issued its first warning, advising people to leave the capital, on 25 May. At that time, it announced the start of strikes against Ukrainian defence industry facilities, command posts and so-called «decision-making centres» in Kyiv.
Now. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs It states that it will continue to carry out systematic and sustained strikes on targets it describes as military infrastructure. The Russian side explains the attacks as a response to Ukrainian operations against Russian territory.
Following the statements made in May, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described them as blackmail and an attempt to intimidate the foreign diplomatic corps. The ministry also stated that it was prepared to assist the missions with additional security measures.
Attacks on bridges and infrastructure have disrupted traffic in the capital
This renewed circulation of the Russian statement comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions attacks on Kyiv. The impact on 3 October damaged the road surface of the North Bridge and the trolleybus overhead lines, resulting in partial traffic restrictions in the area.
On the eve of the attacks, others were targeted bridges across the Dnieper, causing significant transport disruption. The Guardian also reported attacks on energy and other urban infrastructure.
The Ukrainian side believes that Russia is attempting to make everyday life in Kyiv more difficult as winter approaches.
Western countries are considering various scenarios, but have not announced a relocation
The Guardian, citing two senior diplomats, reported that some Western countries are considering contingency plans to relocate their embassies to Lviv or eastern Poland. These are being considered in the event of a sharp deterioration in the security situation, particularly if Russia were to begin deliberately targeting diplomatic missions.
Such planning does not imply that a decision has been taken to evacuate or relocate the missions’ operations. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Georgy Tikhiy He stated that the Ukrainian side had not received any requests or notifications from diplomatic missions regarding their intention to leave Kyiv; should such a decision be taken, the embassies must inform Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In June, the European Council condemned Russia’s threats against the European diplomatic presence in Ukraine. At the end of September, the Council of the EU also announced plans to establish a coordination centre for the EUMAM mission in Kyiv.
