The German Foreign Office has summoned the Russian ambassador after Moscow told foreign diplomats to leave Kiev before it launches another heavy assault on the Ukrainian capital.
"Attacks on hospitals, schools, and TV studios; demands that our embassy leave Kyiv: Russia is relying on threats, terror, and escalation. That is why we summoned Russia’s ambassador today," the Foreign Office in Berlin wrote on X on Tuesday.
“We made it clear to Russia today: We will not be intimidated by threats and will continue to strongly support Ukraine.”
Russia has threatened to launch further airstrikes against Kiev after the Ukrainian capital was targeted last weekend by one of the heaviest waves of Russian attacks since the war began.
A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday urged foreign diplomats to leave Kiev as soon as possible, saying the Russian military would systematically target military installations and "command centres" in the city.
However, Russia has repeatedly hit civilian targets in previous attacks on Ukraine.
Over the weekend, Russia bombarded the Kiev region with 600 drones and 90 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Residential buildings, businesses, a water supply facility and museums were among the sites damaged. The Kiev offices of German public broadcasters ARD and Deutsche Welle were also damaged, according to the broadcasters.
Ukrainian authorities reported two deaths in the Kiev area, while President Volodymyr Zelensky said 87 people had been injured, including three minors.
Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed the use of the new Oreshnik intermediate-range missile, which is particularly feared because of its destructive power and ability to strike targets across large parts of Europe.
Moscow says the latest strikes are retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack on a dormitory in Starobilsk in Ukraine's Russian-occupied Luhansk region, which occupying authorities say killed 21 civilians last week.
Ukraine’s General Staff said the strike had targeted a Russian military drone unit.
