Russia Urges U.S. to Evacuate Kyiv Embassy Staff

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, pressed the United States to evacuate staff from its embassy in Kyiv during a phone call on Monday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to the report. The request followed Russian threats of “systematic strikes” on the Ukrainian capital and calls for foreign nationals to leave.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, urged partners not to give in to what he described as “Russian blackmail.” Katarina Mathernova, head of the EU mission in Kyiv, said the bloc intended to remain in the country, adding that the EU was “not going anywhere.”

The exchange came a day after missile and drone attacks on Kyiv that authorities said killed at least four people and injured 91. The strikes damaged buildings in the capital, including in the Lukyanivka neighborhood.

More than 70 foreign diplomats visited the affected area to pay respects to victims, the report said. Despite the latest attacks, many residents returned to their routines on Monday, with some saying they had become desensitized after more than four years of war.

Diplomats visit damaged areas as Kyiv resumes daily life

In the aftermath of Sunday’s strikes, rescuers worked through damaged streets while businesses tried to reopen. A coffee shop that was hit drew lines of customers who came to support it, and its owner served hot drinks to rescuers through blown-out windows, the report said.

Students at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy attended classes despite damage to the institution. The report described the mood in the city as a mix of fatigue and determination as residents navigated another round of attacks.

Ukraine and allies reject intimidation as war continues

Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, visited Kyiv and said Belarusian and Ukrainian freedom were linked, according to the report. Her trip came as Kyiv sought to project steadiness in the face of Russian threats and continuing strikes.

The report also said Ukraine continued attacks on Russian infrastructure, including an oil depot in the Bryansk region. Officials and diplomats signaled that decisions on staffing and security in Kyiv would be shaped by further Russian activity and the risk of additional strikes.

Attention is expected to stay on whether Russia follows through on threats of “systematic strikes” and how foreign missions adjust their posture in Kyiv in the days ahead.