The European Union has dismissed Russian warnings urging foreign missions to leave Kyiv ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, saying it will maintain its diplomatic presence in the
Ukrainian capital despite threats of possible strikes.
A spokesperson for the European Commission said the bloc would not alter its “posture or presence” in Kyiv, accusing Moscow of using “reckless escalatory tactics” to intimidate foreign governments and diplomats.
The warning came after Russia advised embassies to evacuate staff and citizens from Kyiv before the 9 May military parade in Moscow, suggesting there could be retaliatory action if Ukraine attempted to disrupt events on Red Square.
Although the Kremlin announced a unilateral ceasefire for 8 and 9 May, hostilities have continued across Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of rejecting Kyiv’s ceasefire proposal while pressing ahead with attacks nationwide.
Ukrainian authorities said Russian strikes on Tuesday killed at least 28 people in several cities. EU officials also pointed out that previous Russian attacks had damaged diplomatic facilities in Kyiv, including the EU mission last year. Photo by Andrew Bossi from Laurel, MD, USA, Wikimedia commons.
