Russia says it is about to launch a major attack and calls on diplomats and foreign citizens to leave Kyiv.

In a statement on October 3, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it had "previously urged foreign citizens and diplomats in Kyiv to leave the city and limit travel to Ukraine ."

"We are concerned to note that not everyone is heeding these warnings, and many individuals are deliberately putting themselves in life-threatening situations," the ministry emphasized.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also issued a warning that "the Russian armed forces will continue to carry out large-scale retaliatory airstrikes," AFP reported.

In addition, the statement clearly states that "responsibility for any potential negative consequences will rest entirely with those who ignore this warning."

On October 2nd, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared that the city must now be placed on wartime alert, as the enemy is "tearing apart the capital" with airstrikes targeting bridges and energy infrastructure.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of violating all rules of armed conflict by giving the green light to massive attacks on civilian areas – an accusation the Kremlin has vehemently denied.

Throughout the special military operation, Moscow repeatedly bombarded Ukraine with missile strikes and drone attacks.

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv, targeting critical infrastructure.

Russia has also recently reported being targeted by Ukraine in several key areas.