EU Says It Will Keep Diplomatic Presence in Kyiv Despite Russian Escalation Warnings

The European Union will not reduce or evacuate its diplomatic presence in Kyiv despite Russian calls for foreign missions to leave the Ukrainian capital ahead of possible escalation surrounding Moscow’s May 9 celebrations, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on May 7.

European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said Brussels has no plans to alter its presence in Kyiv, dismissing Russian warnings as part of Moscow’s broader pressure campaign.

“We will not change our position or our presence in Kyiv. Russian attacks are unfortunately a daily reality both in Kyiv and in other parts of Ukraine,” El Anouni told Radio Liberty.

The comments came after Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged foreign diplomatic personnel to consider early evacuation from Kyiv, citing what Moscow described as heightened security risks ahead of Russia’s annual Victory Day parade on May 9.

While the European Commission did not directly comment on whether it considers the current threat level higher than usual, El Anouni described Russia’s public messaging as “part of its reckless escalation tactics.”

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Russia's History of Ceasefire Violations and What It Can Tell Us About Today

Mar 20, 2025 16:31

“Russia is once again cynically trying to shift responsibility onto Ukraine for its own aggression — Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine,” he added.

Previously, Russia launched a new wave of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, despite a “silence regime” that had officially begun at midnight.

The attacks targeted several regions, including Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, after Ukraine announced it would mirror Russia’s proposed May 8–9 ceasefire and suggested extending it starting from May 6.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation on Wednesday, May 6, stating that Russia has continued its military operations despite a Ukrainian proposal for a ceasefire.

He noted that Ukraine will respond symmetrically based on the security situation overnight and on Thursday.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW