In a statement published on its website, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov told Rubio during a phone call that the move was “in response to the continuing terrorist attacks by the Kyiv regime against the peaceful population and civilian sites on Russian territory.”
The Ministry said Russia's armed forces were starting “systematic strikes on facilities located in Kyiv that are used for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as on centres where the corresponding decisions are being made.”
Lavrov pointed to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement recommending that the United States and other countries maintaining missions in Kyiv evacuate diplomatic personnel and other citizens from the Ukrainian capital. He referred to high-level discussions held in 2025, saying agreements reached during those talks on the Ukrainian conflict were being undermined.
The Russian foreign minister expressed regret that these developments had derailed a potential settlement based on a balance of interests. During the call, both sides reaffirmed their desire to normalize bilateral diplomatic relations despite current differences.
