Multiple Countries Receive Evacuation Warnings, Public Opinion Worries About Escalating Conflict, Russia Intensifies Retaliatory Strikes Against Ukraine

[Global Times Special Correspondent Xiao Da, Global Times Special Correspondent Wang Yi, Liu Yupeng] On the 25th local time, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov called U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, suggesting that the U.S. evacuate its diplomats and citizens from the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as Russia plans to continue large-scale attacks on Kyiv. On the same day, Russia also issued a statement urging all foreign citizens, including diplomatic personnel and representatives of international organizations, to leave Kyiv as soon as possible. The day before, Russia conducted large-scale drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, claiming it was in retaliation for a drone attack by Ukraine on a school in Luhansk that resulted in the deaths of 21 students. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry claimed this was Russia's "blackmail." Embassies from several Western countries refused to evacuate their diplomats. Analysts believe that the Russian statement may signal a further escalation of the war that has lasted for more than four years, and all parties should push for the resumption of dialogue and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to quickly de-escalate the situation.

"Moscow's Patience Has Reached Its Limit"

On the 25th, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Lavrov spoke with Rubio that day, informing the U.S. that, following President Putin's instructions, Russia had begun systematic strikes on military facilities in Kyiv. Lavrov stated that in response to Ukraine's continued attacks on Russian civilians and civilian facilities, the Russian military is conducting systematic and sustained strikes on facilities in Kyiv that serve the Ukrainian armed forces. He reminded the U.S. to pay attention to the statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry that day, suggesting that U.S. diplomatic personnel and citizens evacuate from Kyiv.

Earlier that day, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that the Ukrainian military's previous attack on a school in the old city of Belisk in Luhansk had become "another shocking evidence of the terrorist nature of the Kyiv regime." In response to Ukraine's attacks on civilians, the Russian armed forces began systematic strikes on Kyiv, targeting decision-making centers and command departments of Ukraine, as well as specific locations in Kyiv where drones are designed, produced, programmed, and prepared for use with the assistance of NATO experts. The statement warned that since these facilities are dispersed throughout Kyiv, Russia advises foreign citizens, including staff from diplomatic missions and international organizations, to leave the city as soon as possible, while also warning residents of the Ukrainian capital not to approach military and administrative targets of the Zelensky regime.

On the 25th, the Russian newspaper "Kommersant" reported that Russia announced it would systematically attack military targets and decision-making centers in Kyiv, a move in retaliation for Ukraine's attack on the school in the old city of Belisk. The continued attacks by the Ukrainian military on Russian civilian infrastructure and the terrorist attack on the school in Belisk "have pushed Moscow's patience to its limit." In fact, starting from the early hours of the 24th, the Russian military has used various air-based, sea-based, and land-based missiles, including the "Zircon" hypersonic missile, and attack drones to carry out large-scale retaliatory strikes on targets within Ukraine. Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council (the upper house of parliament), stated that those responsible for the attack on the school in Belisk will be held accountable, and the responsibility for the incident lies not only with Kyiv but also with those European countries that support Ukraine.

Ukraine Claims "Urgent Need for Assistance"

According to a report by the Ukrainian National News Agency on the 26th, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned Russia's threats against foreign diplomatic missions in Ukraine, stating that Moscow's remarks are "blackmail" aimed at intimidating the international community. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also expressed gratitude to all foreign diplomatic missions that continue to stand firm in Kyiv during the war and called on partners to respond to Moscow's threats by increasing support and assistance to Ukraine. Ukraine urged allies to increase assistance to enhance the Ukrainian military's air defense capabilities, emphasizing that this is crucial for ensuring the safety of foreign diplomatic personnel, citizens, and Ukrainian civilians in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba stated at a press conference on the 25th that Ukraine believes Russia's statements about further strikes on Kyiv will not intimidate Western diplomats in Kyiv. He said, "Russia's goal is to instill fear, including fear among representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Ukraine. I am confident that this influence will not succeed. Our response to these threats includes inviting representatives from over 70 diplomatic missions to visit the sites in Kyiv that were heavily bombed by the Russian military."

The Ukrainian newspaper "European Truth" reported that EU and several European embassies refused to evacuate their diplomats. The EU Ambassador to Kyiv, Matviyenko, stated on the 25th that despite Russia's threats of new strikes on Kyiv, Western diplomats will not leave. The Polish Foreign Ministry stated that Warsaw has no plans to evacuate diplomats from Kyiv.

According to the "Kyiv Independent," Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on the 25th that Ukraine "urgently needs" assistance. In a video address that day, he said, "We are discussing air defense issues with all partners. Europe has provided us with financial assistance, and we are working to urge Europe to accelerate the production of more air defense missiles. Unfortunately, we have made no progress in cooperation with the United States in this regard." Zelensky stated that Ukraine continues to engage in dialogue with the U.S. regarding assistance, emphasizing that "U.S. leadership is crucial."

Possible "Unpredictable Situations"

European news outlets reported on the 26th that Russia issued a warning demanding foreign diplomats evacuate from the Ukrainian capital, marking a further escalation of the war that has lasted for more than four years. Reports cited analyses from U.S. military experts stating that Russia's declaration of large-scale retaliatory strikes on Kyiv indicates that "the conflict is on the brink of escalation, and there is a high likelihood of unpredictable situations arising."

According to Bloomberg, regarding Russia's warning, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated, "The attack on Kyiv on the 24th serves as a reminder of why this war must end. Every time we see the consequences of these large-scale strikes, it reminds us that this is a terrible war..." He noted that Lavrov called him to personally convey the warning, stating, "The danger of these military actions continuing is that the threat of escalation is always present."

Reuters reported that Rubio also acknowledged that there are currently "no ongoing or planned negotiations" between Russia and Ukraine. This indicates that U.S.-led negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict have stalled.

According to the Russian newspaper "Vzglyad" on the 26th, Russian military expert Kovalin stated that the Ukrainian military's attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure demonstrate Ukraine's determination to continue acting destructively, and both Ukraine and Europe are unwilling to de-escalate the conflict. In this context, it is entirely reasonable for Russia to intensify its strikes on Kyiv. The report warned that the current trend of the situation indicates a real risk: Ukraine may lose its status as a unified military-political entity and could even face disintegration. Russian political scientist Uhov stated that the EU and some European countries have played a significant role in this escalation. To counter Russia, the EU continues to provide weapons to Ukraine, participates in Ukraine's action plans, and supports its attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure.