Russia orders diplomats to evacuate Kyiv amid potential military action

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to diplomatic missions in Kyiv, urging them to evacuate their staff immediately if Moscow launches a mass strike on the city during Ukraine’s Victory Day commemorations. The warning was made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in a video posted on Telegram.

According to Zakharova, Russia’s Defence Ministry had previously warned of a potential strike on Kyiv in response to Ukrainian attempts to disrupt the May 9 celebrations. Zakharova stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made “aggressive and threatening statements” about disrupting the commemorations during a meeting of the European Political Community in Armenia.

Zakharova also mentioned that Russia was redeploying air defences from its regions to around Moscow, which she claimed would create space for more Ukrainian long-range attacks. In response, Ukraine announced competing ceasefires before the event and accused Russia of breaching its own unilateral ceasefire.

Russia had previously offered a temporary truce for its Victory Day celebrations on May 9. The situation remains tense as both countries prepare for their respective commemorations. Diplomatic missions in Kyiv are advised to take necessary precautions in light of the warning from Moscow’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Al Jazeera