Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov communicated with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 25, informing him of impending aerial strikes on Kyiv. Lavrov indicated that Russian forces would initiate 'systematic and sustained strikes against facilities located in Kyiv' in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. The Russian Foreign Ministry also referenced a previous statement from May 25, recommending that the U.S. and other countries evacuate their diplomatic personnel from Kyiv.
The Russian ministry stated that the strikes would target 'decision-making centers and command posts' and reiterated the call for foreign citizens and diplomats to leave the city. Over the weekend, Russian forces conducted a significant missile and drone attack on Kyiv, launching 90 missiles, including 36 ballistic missiles, and 600 drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that nearly 300 sites in Kyiv were damaged and emphasized the need for enhanced air defense.
Since a short-term ceasefire from May 9-11, Russia has resumed large-scale attacks across Ukraine. Ukraine has also started using drones to target Russian supply lines behind the frontlines. Rubio noted that the U.S. has attempted to mediate an agreement to end the conflict, but these efforts have not yet yielded results.