Russia has issued a stark warning for foreign diplomats and citizens to evacuate amidst fears of a possible missile attack.
The threat of an assault on Kyiv looms if Ukraine interferes with Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day military parade in Moscow, according to Russian officials. This marks the second official alert of an impending strike on Kyiv, with concerns raised about the potential deployment of Oreshnik missiles armed with conventional warheads that could cause catastrophic damage.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova urged Western nations and others to take the evacuation warning seriously. The defense ministry’s threat of a retaliatory strike on Kyiv, targeting key decision-making centers, is to be heeded if Ukraine proceeds with its alleged “criminal terrorist plans.”
Zhakharova emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the warning should not be dismissed. The caution comes in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s purported threat to send drones to disrupt the May 9 military parade in Moscow, a significant annual event commemorating the end of World War II.
Zelensky has accused Putin of disregarding a proposed ceasefire and intensifying attacks on Ukraine, portraying Putin as a leader fixated on conflict and uninterested in peace. The Kremlin’s insistence on keeping Kyiv drones away from Moscow for the parade highlights the escalating tensions between the two nations.
Overnight, Ukraine reportedly launched over 300 drones towards Russia, targeting multiple regions and seas, with some being intercepted. A military facility in Naro-Fominsk, near Moscow, suffered a blaze following the failure of Russian air defenses, impacting a crucial military complex.
Ukrainian drone strikes also hit the Black Sea resort of Sochi and caused disruptions in various regions, including closure of airports in Moscow and temporary shutdowns in cities like Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, and Perm. Additionally, several cities and regions in Russia have canceled Victory Day military parades due to the perceived threat of Ukrainian attacks.
The escalating conflict has led to widespread chaos and disruptions, underscoring the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
