Russia has warned of a massive airstrike on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, urging foreigners and diplomats in the city to evacuate.

In a statement released on October 3 local time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Russian military is carrying out systematic and continuous strikes against military targets in Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv," and urged foreigners and diplomats in Kyiv to evacuate.

The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated a statement from May, pointing out, "We previously urged foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel staying in Kyiv to leave the city and to refrain from traveling to Ukraine."

It added, "It is concerning that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and some individuals are deliberately exposing themselves to mortal danger," noting that "many foreign embassies are still operating in Kyiv, and visits by foreign officials to Ukraine continue."

"The Russian military plans to continue carrying out large-scale retaliatory strikes," the ministry warned. "We once again strongly urge foreigners, including diplomatic mission personnel, to refrain from staying in and traveling to Ukraine, and the responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning."

Following continuous high-intensity Russian airstrikes on October 1 and 2, three of the six bridges crossing the Dnipro River in the capital of Kyiv were closed.

Casualties have also been reported, with at least six people confirmed dead.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)