Russia cautions foreign diplomats about safety in Kyiv amid intensified air strikes

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel in Kyiv on Oct. 3 that remaining in the Ukrainian capital presents a serious danger as Russian forces continue aerial strikes across the country. The ministry said its armed forces would intensify what it described as "massive retaliatory strikes" and urged foreign representatives not to stay in Kyiv or travel elsewhere in Ukraine.

The statement follows reports that Western embassies have prepared contingency plans to move staff to Lviv or Poland if the Kremlin targets diplomatic missions. Ukrainian officials said no foreign missions have formally notified Kyiv of any intention to relocate, noting that diplomatic protocols require prior notification.

The United States maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Ukraine but confirmed that its embassy in Kyiv remains open and staffed. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the city’s municipal services are under pressure from ongoing missile and drone attacks that have damaged bridges, energy facilities and residential areas.

"The situation requires us to abandon peacetime assumptions and focus on safety and survival," Klitschko told residents.

Despite the heightened threat environment, diplomatic missions that returned to Kyiv in 2022 continue to operate in the capital.