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Russia Urges Foreign Missions to Evacuate Kyiv Amid Strike Threat

Russia has formally urged foreign diplomatic missions to evacuate Kyiv, warning of inevitable retaliatory strikes if Ukraine disrupts Victory Day celebrations. The Russian Defence Ministry threatened a massive missile strike on central Kyiv in response to any attacks during the May 9 anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has not ceased military operations despite Kyiv's ceasefire proposal, vowing a reciprocal response. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's commitment to peace but warned that the situation will determine their next actions.

Key Points: Russia Urges Evacuation from Kyiv Over Attack Warnings

  • Russia issued note urging foreign missions to evacuate Kyiv
  • Moscow warns of massive missile strike if Victory Day celebrations are disrupted
  • Zelensky says Russia continues operations despite ceasefire proposal
  • Ukraine will decide on reciprocal response based on situation
2 min read

Russia urges evacuation from Kyiv in note to foreign diplomatic missions

Russia urges foreign diplomatic missions to evacuate Kyiv, warning of retaliatory strikes if Ukraine disrupts Victory Day celebrations. Zelensky responds.

"Russia has not stopped any of its military activity. Unfortunately, it has not ceased. Ukraine will respond in a reciprocal manner. - Volodymyr Zelensky"

Moscow/Kyiv, May 7 The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it had sent a note to all foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited with the ministry, urging them to ensure the evacuation of personnel from Kyiv.

According to the statement, the note referenced a warning on Monday by the Russian Defence Ministry about threats from the Ukrainian authorities to carry out attacks on Moscow during Victory Day celebrations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on governments and organisations to take the warning with maximum responsibility and ensure the timely evacuation of their staff and citizens from Kyiv, given the "inevitability of a retaliatory strike" by the Russian forces against Kyiv if Ukraine interrupts the celebrations, reports Xinhua news agency.

The ministry said Russian diplomatic missions abroad were also informing the countries of accreditation and international organisations of the situation.

On Monday, the Russian Defence Ministry warned that any attempts to disrupt the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War would trigger a "massive missile strike" on central Kyiv.

Victory Day, observed annually on May 9 to mark the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, is one of Russia's most important national holidays. The Kremlin said in late April that a military parade would still be held in Red Square without military equipment because of security concerns.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Russia continues its military operations despite Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire and warned that Kyiv will respond in kind.

"Russia has not stopped any of its military activity. Unfortunately, it has not ceased. Ukraine will respond in a reciprocal manner," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

He noted that Russia attacked seven Ukrainian regions on Wednesday despite a Kyiv-proposed ceasefire that took effect at midnight.

"Depending on the situation tonight and tomorrow, we will also decide on our fully fair response," Zelensky said.

He emphasised that Ukraine remains committed to working for peace and seeks to end the conflict with dignity.

Also on Monday, Zelensky said Ukraine would implement a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Zelensky says Ukraine will "respond in kind"—but that's exactly what leads to more destruction. Russia is clearly using Victory Day as a cover for military pressure. I feel for the diplomats and their families being told to evacuate. Hope common sense prevails before May 9.
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Vikram M
Russia's note to foreign missions is basically a threat: "Get out or get hit." Very worrying for global diplomacy. India should recall its embassy staff temporarily from Kyiv for safety. This is not a time for neutrality—it's a time for protecting Indian lives.
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Ananya R
Both sides are playing dangerous games. Russia says "retaliatory strike" if Ukraine disrupts their parade, while Ukraine also threatens to respond. It's like watching a verbal chess match with real weapons. 😔 Peace seems so far away.
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James A
As someone who follows geopolitics, this is a classic Russian "fait accompli" move. They warn everyone to leave Kyiv, then strike, claiming they gave ample warning. Ukraine's ceasefire proposal is a good faith gesture, but Russia seems determined to escalate. UN Security Council must act.
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Sneha F
Victory Day for Russia, fear day for Ukrainians. This constant threat of missile strikes on Kyiv is heartless. India should condemn such actions unequivocally. We can't stay silent when innocent lives are at stake. 🕊️

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