When pushed beyond endurance, there is no need to endure further. On May 25, Russia issued a rare evacuation order targeting Kyiv.

The evacuation notice explicitly warned that Kyiv’s “decision-making centers” would be struck. Ukraine’s capital, including its defense industry conglomerates and military command hubs, are on the strike list. Russia also urged foreign nationals to leave Kyiv as soon as possible and advised local residents not to approach Ukrainian military or administrative infrastructure.

This marks a new phase in the Russia-Ukraine conflict—one characterized by a full-scale escalation of military retaliation and psychological warfare on the diplomatic front.

Previously, Russian air raid warnings were typically issued by the Ministry of Defense. This time, however, it was the Foreign Ministry that took the lead—significantly altering the nature of the announcement. Essentially, this move served as a legal and public relations “pre-emptive disclaimer” from Russia: clearly informing the international community (especially Western nations) about what was coming. If foreign casualties occur afterward, Russia will not bear responsibility. At the same time, such open “evacuation warnings” themselves constitute a powerful psychological weapon, designed to instill panic within Kyiv and undermine Ukraine’s will—and that of its backers—to resist.

The immediate trigger for Russia’s hardline action was a Ukrainian drone attack on May 22 against a vocational college in the city of Starobeshtske, located in the Luhansk region, which caused massive casualties, all of them students. President Putin was enraged. The subsequent Russian strikes on Kyiv thus represent an emotionally charged act of “proportional retaliation.”

Differently from past operations, this retaliatory campaign targets the top echelon of command—specifically naming “decision-making centers and command posts” as key objectives. This indicates Russia’s intent to cripple Ukraine’s high-level decision-making capabilities, thereby undermining its overall operational effectiveness.

Destroying the drone supply chain: Specifically targeting facilities involved in drone design, production, and programming—assisted by NATO experts. Russia’s goal here is to cut off Ukraine’s long-range strike capability at its source.

Regarding Russia’s evacuation demands, the Western bloc has shown clear divisions:

The EU delegation in Ukraine explicitly stated, “We’re staying put,” treating their continued presence as a political statement affirming unwavering support for Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, after a call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, warned that any attack on Kyiv resulting in American casualties or damage to U.S. facilities would be considered a “direct provocation against the United States,” with serious consequences for Russia. In other words, as long as no Americans are harmed, the U.S. won’t intervene.

In sum, Russia’s latest operation goes beyond mere frontline skirmishes. It now employs hypersonic weapons to systematically destroy Ukraine’s defense industries and core command centers in the enemy capital. This is not only revenge for the tragedy in Luhansk but also a calculated effort to demonstrate overwhelming firepower and resolve to retaliate in kind—aimed at forcing Ukraine and its Western backers to re-evaluate the true cost of continuing the conflict.

Reports suggest that Zelenskyy is now facing consequences for his actions, and he has begun to regret his choices.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866255547923456/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.