Ukraine War Briefing Russia Pressures US To Clear Way for Attacks On Kyiv

Russia has reportedly pressured the United States to help clear the way for planned military attacks on Kyiv by asking Washington to evacuate embassy staff and foreign personnel from the Ukrainian capital. The development has increased fears of another major escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war as Moscow prepares for what officials describe as “systematic strikes” on military-related targets in Kyiv.

According to reports, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the issue during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Russia’s Foreign Ministry later claimed that Lavrov informed Washington about Moscow’s decision to launch fresh attacks against sites connected to Ukraine’s military leadership and command operations. Russian officials reportedly urged the United States to remove embassy workers and diplomats from Kyiv before the strikes begin.

The warning comes after one of the heaviest Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv in recent months. Russia recently launched around 90 missiles and hundreds of drones toward the Ukrainian capital and nearby areas, including the use of the powerful Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile. Ukrainian officials said the attacks damaged residential buildings, schools, markets, and cultural sites while killing civilians and injuring dozens more people.

Russian authorities claimed the new strikes are retaliation for Ukrainian attacks inside Russian-controlled territory, especially in the Luhansk region. Moscow accused Kyiv of targeting civilian infrastructure and causing deaths in areas controlled by Russian forces. Ukraine strongly denied intentionally attacking civilians and said its operations only targeted military-related sites connected to Russia’s war efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s recent bombardments and warned that the use of Oreshnik missiles creates dangerous global security risks. European leaders also criticized Moscow’s actions, with several officials accusing Russia of “nuclear brinkmanship” because the Oreshnik missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, even though no nuclear weapons were reportedly used in the attacks.

The latest developments have placed additional pressure on ongoing peace efforts. The United States has continued trying to mediate discussions between Russia and Ukraine despite repeated attacks and failed ceasefire attempts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said Washington still supports diplomatic negotiations, although officials admitted progress remains very slow.

Military analysts believe Russia may be preparing for a broader campaign focused on weakening Ukraine’s military infrastructure and damaging the country’s ability to continue long-term resistance. Experts say Russia has increasingly targeted energy systems, transportation routes, command centers, and strategic facilities as part of a wider pressure strategy during the war.

The situation in Kyiv remains tense as air raid alerts continue across several Ukrainian regions. Many residents have again taken shelter in underground metro stations and emergency shelters following warnings of possible new attacks. Foreign governments are also reviewing travel advisories and security measures for diplomats working in Ukraine.

Despite the growing danger, Ukrainian officials say the country will continue defending Kyiv and resisting Russian military pressure. President Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for stronger international military support and additional air defense systems to protect civilians from future missile and drone strikes.