Ukrainian forces could deliver «very strong» retaliatory strikes if Russia continues attacking Kiev, industrial facilities and decision-making centers, an adviser to Ukraine’s defense minister known by the call sign «Flash» said. His remarks were cited on Telegram by UNIAN.

According to the adviser, Ukraine would respond with heavy strikes if Russia targets Kiev, enterprises and decision-making hubs.

A day earlier, on May 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry urged foreign citizens, including staff of diplomatic missions and international organizations, to leave Kiev as soon as possible. The ministry also advised residents of the Ukrainian capital to stay away from military and administrative infrastructure sites.

The statements followed a large-scale Russian strike carried out overnight on May 24. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the targets included military command facilities, air bases and Ukrainian defense industry enterprises. According to the ministry, the attack involved Oreshnik, Tsirkon, Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, among other weapons.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev linked the strike to a Ukrainian Armed Forces attack on a college in Starobelsk. Overnight on May 22, Ukrainian drones hit a college dormitory where 86 students were staying. The building collapsed after the attack. Twenty-one students were killed, and another 44 people were injured.