Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu Warns Retaliatory Strike on Kyiv Could Occur at Any Moment

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu warned that Russia could launch a retaliatory strike on Kyiv at any moment, stating that Moscow possesses all necessary military means to execute such operations. Speaking at the 1st International Security Forum on May 28, Shoigu responded to questions about whether European ambassadors' refusal to evacuate Kyiv would affect Russia's determination, saying the strike could happen whenever Russia deems an appropriate response necessary. He emphasized that Russia has both demonstrated and repeatedly warned of its strike capabilities.

Shoigu framed the potential strikes as retaliation for what he characterized as terrorist attacks that killed Russian personnel. He reiterated that Russia had previously issued serious and deliberate warnings to foreign ambassadors to evacuate Kyiv, rejecting characterizations of these warnings as merely rhetorical. Shoigu stated that Russia maintains all required military means and dismissed suggestions that Russian military capacity has been depleted.

Addressing broader geopolitical issues, Shoigu defended Russia's military presence in Armenia, asserting there are no preconditions for dismantling the Russian base there and that it remains active and functioning. He characterized Armenia's strategic partnership agreement with the United States as superficial, likening it to an election campaign rather than substantive security cooperation.

Regarding the conflict itself, Shoigu attributed the launch of Russia's military operation to longstanding conditions in the Donbass region that Western nations had ignored. He stated that Russia continues to target ammunition production facilities in Ukraine as they emerge, framing these operations as responses to terrorist acts. Shoigu also claimed that Russia's military training, preparation, and equipment are unmatched internationally, and noted that Russia's military experience is attracting interest from countries facing new security threats.

Shoigu further emphasized that Russia is fulfilling supply commitments for grain, fertilizers, and energy despite regional instability, and reported increased interest from African nations in cooperation with Russia.