Russia Begins Systematic Strikes on Kiev Military Sites; Kremlin Awaits US Response

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov notified US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a phone call on Monday that Russian armed forces were initiating systematic strikes against military and defense industry sites in Kiev, citing continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian population and infrastructure. Lavrov officially conveyed the escalation plans to the American diplomat and advised the evacuation of US diplomatic personnel and citizens from the Ukrainian capital. The warning came after a Ukrainian military strike on a college in Starobelsk, which Russian officials described as the final provocation prompting the response.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified on Tuesday that the term "systematic strikes" does not denote any specific frequency or regularity of attacks. "Systemic does not imply any specific frequency. It doesn't mean regular," Peskov stated, emphasizing that the Russian Foreign Ministry had detailed its position clearly in its official statement. He confirmed that Moscow had not yet received a formal response from Washington regarding the warning, though the Kremlin had noted statements from European capitals and EU representatives in Kiev.

During the diplomatic conversation, Lavrov referenced prior agreements on the Ukrainian conflict reached at the highest level in Anchorage in August 2025 and expressed concern that European and Kiev regime actions were undermining these accords. He emphasized the importance of achieving a sustainable long-term settlement based on a balance of interests. Both diplomats reaffirmed their mutual commitment to normalizing relations between Russian and US diplomatic missions in each other's territories despite existing differences. The US State Department characterized the exchange as covering views on the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral relations, and the situation in Iran, with Washington indicating willingness to play a helpful role regarding the Ukraine conflict. The warning of strikes comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for a state visit to Kazakhstan beginning May 27.