Russia has warned foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Ukraine's capital after vowing that there will be no let up in its bombardment of Kyiv. In Moscow's latest menacing message, it says it will continue to carry out targeted retaliatory strikes on Ukraine. The Kremlin had warned all foreigners against visiting or staying in the capital in May.
Second major bridge hit in Kyiv
This morning, another Russian strike has hit a second major bridge, Kyiv's Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed, as Vladimir Putin ramps up his offensive on critical Ukrainian infrastructure, injuring two people. It comes days after the Pivdennyi Bridge was hit multiple times by Russian drones, paralyzing much of the city, leaving Klitschko claiming that "the enemy is tearing Kyiv apart".
Russia's chilling statement
Today's chilling statement from Russia read: "In response to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' terrorist acts against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure of our country, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are continuing to systematically carry out targeted strikes on military facilities in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities."
"Responsibility for any adverse consequences lies entirely with those who ignore this warning." While some nations had cautioned their citizens against travelling to Ukraine this summer, Russia noted "that not everyone has heeded these warnings and is knowingly exposing their lives to mortal danger".
NATO responds to nuclear threat
On Thursday, NATO appeared to call Russia's bluff after being sent an ominous nuclear attack warning as tensions escalate. Putin dispatched a letter threatening to unleash the weapons should it feel its Baltic territory is coming under threat. In the diplomatic memo, Moscow said it has been made aware of 'information that NATO is preparing an air and naval blockade of Kaliningrad'.
In the alarming letter sent to Brussels, the Kremlin warn it "will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory", according to a document sent to member states. NATO has responded, dismissing the threat as "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric" with Secretary General Mark Rutte stating he doesn't believe Putin will follow through on the latest outrageous threat.
Andy Burnham said days before that he will “stand up to” Russian and Iranian “threats”, adding that his economic and social plans will improve the UK’s security. He told the Labour party conference: “A country which invests in people’s success, rather than abandoning them and paying for failure. “A country like that will be much more resilient to the shocks we will undoubtedly face in the rest of this century, and more able to meet its Nato obligations on defence.
“I will be steadfast in my support for Ukraine and stand up to threats wherever they come from, whether Russia, Iran, or anywhere.” He continued: “We will be principled in our leadership in securing a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, as Ed Miliband has done. “A plan for Britain will enhance our social security and our national security. You don’t make Britain safer by leaving a younger generation without hope for the future and stuck at home looking at screens. “You do it by giving young people hope again. And you do it by getting our economy growing again.”
