Vladimir Putin has issued a grim ultimatum to Donald Trump ahead of a threatened 'systematic' blitz on Kyiv: get Americans out, now. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov phoned his counterpart Marco Rubio on Monday to warn that Moscow would launch 'systematic and consistent strikes' against the Ukrainian capital, urging him to evacuate American citizens and diplomats before the bombardment begins.
Rubio Confirms Warning Passed to Trump
Rubio told reporters that Putin had personally requested the warning be passed to Trump, and confirmed he had done so. Speaking aboard a flight to Armenia, Rubio said there were no negotiations ongoing with Ukraine but that Washington stood ready to 'play a constructive and helpful role if that opportunity presents itself.'
Kremlin Statement on Strikes
The Kremlin had earlier released a statement warning that the strikes would 'target decision-making centers and command posts.' 'We are notifying foreign citizens, including the personnel of diplomatic missions and international organizations of the need to leave the city as soon as possible,' the Kremlin added.
Ukraine Urges Allies Not to Cave
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged Kyiv's allies not to cave to 'Russian blackmail.' Katarina Mathernova, the European Union's ambassador to Ukraine, vowed the 27-nation bloc was staying put. 'Russia wants fear, panic, isolation of Ukraine. It will not work. The EU is not going anywhere. We are staying in Kyiv. We are staying with Ukraine,' she said.
