Fears of Russian escalation on eve of Ukraine’s national day

The intelligence division of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry also warned Kyiv residents to be cautious, especially on Independence Day and not to ignore air raid sirens

(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

On the eve of Ukraine’s independence day, there are warnings that Russia might plan to commemorate the event by attacking significant government and civilian targets.

The United States reinforced the worry when its embassy in Kyiv urged US citizens still in Ukraine to depart the country immediately.