Russia announced on Saturday (October 3) that it will continue to carry out targeted retaliatory strikes against the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and other cities, urging foreign citizens and diplomatic personnel to evacuate.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release that in response to attacks by Ukrainian armed forces on Russian civilians and civilian infrastructure, the Russian Armed Forces are systematically conducting targeted strikes on military facilities in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine.
“The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again warns foreign citizens (including diplomatic personnel) not to stay in Ukraine or enter the country,” the statement said.
The ministry stated, “Those who ignore this warning will bear full responsibility for any adverse consequences.”
Recently, Russia has escalated its attacks on the infrastructure of the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that during the airstrikes launched by Russia on Saturday, the Northern Bridge spanning the Dnipro River in Kyiv came under attack.
Klitschko mentioned that emergency response personnel have been dispatched to the scene. Due to damage to the roadway on the bridge as well as the overhead trolleybus cables, traffic on the bridge from the east bank of the Dnipro River to the west bank has been suspended.
Russian President Putin stated earlier this week that Ukraine is paying the price for its attacks against Russia. With the systematic targeting of various objectives within Ukraine by Russian forces, this price will continue to be exacted.
In recent months, both Russia and Ukraine have increased their attacks on each other’s food supply vessels in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, Russian refineries and other enterprises continue to be targeted by Ukrainian attacks. The reciprocal attacks by Russia and Ukraine have resulted in civilian casualties.
Both sides deny targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure.
On Saturday, the Ukrainian Sea Port Authority reported that a cargo ship flying the Liberian flag was attacked by Russia in the Ukrainian Black Sea port area of Odesa, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
The Port Authority issued a statement on Telegram, mentioning that 13 crew members have been safely evacuated.
(This article was compiled with reference to reports from Reuters.)