Lavrov Demands US Evacuate Diplomats From Kyiv in Call With Rubio

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to evacuate American diplomats and citizens from Kyiv during a phone call, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry. The demand reflects escalating tensions and Russia's warning of potential threats to the Ukrainian capital.

Lavrov's appeal referenced a Russian Foreign Ministry statement recommending evacuations, signaling Moscow's intent to pressure Western nations to abandon their diplomatic presence in Ukraine's capital. The call between the two top diplomats occurred amid ongoing military operations in the region. Such evacuation demands are typically issued to signal imminent military action or to isolate Ukraine diplomatically. The US has maintained its diplomatic mission in Kyiv despite the security risks throughout the conflict.