Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stark warning to the United States during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 25, urging Washington to evacuate its diplomatic personnel from Kyiv as Moscow prepares to launch a new wave of mass long-range strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
Russia's Warning to U.S. Diplomats
According to a readout from Russia's Foreign Ministry, Lavrov informed Rubio that Moscow would begin strikes on what it termed 'decision-making centers' and demanded that the U.S. ensure the evacuation of its diplomatic staff. The call followed an earlier announcement by Russia's Foreign Ministry outlining plans for extensive long-range attacks targeting Kyiv, specifically Ukraine's military infrastructure and decision-making hubs.
Retaliation for Ukrainian Attack
Russia stated that the planned strikes were in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack in Luhansk Oblast. Moscow claimed a dormitory had been struck in the incident, while Ukraine asserted that it had targeted a Russian drone command facility. The conflicting accounts highlight the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Escalation of Conflict
The warning from Lavrov represents a significant escalation in the conflict, directly involving the United States by calling for the evacuation of its diplomats. The Russian Foreign Ministry's readout emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Moscow would not hesitate to target what it considers enemy centers of decision-making.
This development comes amid heightened military activity in the region, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian infrastructure. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as fears of a broader confrontation grow.
