Russian forces are carrying out “consistent and systemic strikes at enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry … including specific facilities for designing, manufacturing and programming drones and preparing them for operation,” the ministry said in a statement. It accused Ukrainian forces of launching an attack on a Russian university on Friday.
“The strikes will target decision-making centres and command posts,” the ministry said. “Due to the fact that the above-mentioned facilities are scattered across [Kyiv], we are notifying foreign citizens, including the personnel of diplomatic missions and international organisations of the need to leave the city as soon as possible.”
The ministry also urged residents of Kyiv not to approach Ukrainian military and government buildings. Its statement came after a major Russian missile and drone attack in which Ukrainian officials said Kyiv was the primary target.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Russian forces launched an Oreshnik ballistic missile at Bila Tserkva, a city in central Ukraine about 50 miles from Kyiv. He said the missile was part of a wider attack on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said Russia fired 90 missiles “of various types” during the attack, including 36 ballistic missiles. He also said Russian forces launched 600 drones.
“As of now, at least 83 people have been confirmed injured since midnight,” Zelenskyy said in remarks to Ukrainians. “Tragically, there are fatalities.”
According to Zelenskyy, Russian missiles hit a water supply facility, burned down a market, damaged dozens of residential buildings and struck several schools. He said Kyiv was the “primary target” of the attack.
The Oreshnik is an intermediate-range ballistic missile that can carry multiple warheads and travel at hypersonic speed, according to the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Russia previously used the missile against Ukraine in 2024 and again earlier this year.
European and other international leaders condemned the Russian attack over the weekend and pledged continued support for Ukraine. The statements came as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entered its fifth year.
“Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine last night shows the Kremlin’s brutality and disregard for both human life and peace negotiations,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media on Sunday. “Terror against civilians is not strength. It’s despair. We stand firmly with Ukraine, with further support on the way to reinforce its air defence systems.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the strike and the use of the Oreshnik missile. “France condemns this attack and the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, which above all signal a kind of headlong rush and the impasse of Russia’s war of aggression,” he wrote on social media.
“Our determination to continue supporting Ukraine, to do everything possible for a just and lasting peace, and to strengthen Europe’s security is only reinforced,” Macron added.