Russia Begins Strikes on Kiev; Lavrov Warns US to Evacuate Staff

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov formally notified US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday (May 25) that the Russian military has commenced systematic airstrikes targeting military installations and decision-making centers in Kiev.

During a high-stakes telephone call, Lavrov urged the United States to immediately evacuate its diplomatic staff and citizens from the Ukrainian capital ahead of the escalating military campaign.

According to an official statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the intensive bombardment was ordered directly by President Vladimir Putin. Moscow claims the operations are a direct response to continued drone and missile strikes by Ukrainian forces against civilian populations and critical infrastructure inside Russian territory.

"Sergey Lavrov officially informed the American side that the armed forces of the Russian Federation were beginning systematic and consistent strikes against military sites and corresponding decision-making centers in Kiev," the ministry confirmed.

During the conversation, Lavrov expressed deep regret over the unraveling of the Anchorage framework. The diplomatic roadmap, negotiated in August 2025 at the suggestion of the United States, was intended to pave the way for a sustainable, long-term settlement to the conflict.

The Russian diplomat blamed "high-handed efforts" by European leaders and the Ukrainian government for actively undermining those agreements and disrupting a balanced resolution.

Beyond the war in Ukraine, the two top diplomats discussed separate boiling points in global

Despite deep-seated geopolitical divisions and the imminent escalation in Kiev, both Lavrov and Rubio reiterated a mutual commitment to continue working toward normal operations for Russian and US diplomatic missions within each other's territories.