The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the overall level of security threats posed by Russia to Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities remains consistent with previous years. This assessment follows over four years of continuous military aggression from Russia, which has included the use of various missile and drone strikes against the Ukrainian capital.
In a recent statement, the Ministry emphasized that the persistent Russian attacks are not only a military tactic but also a form of intimidation directed at the international diplomatic community. “According to the Ukrainian side, the general level of security threats from Russia remains the same as in previous years and months,” the Ministry noted.
The Ministry further characterized the latest threats from Moscow as a form of coercion. It stated, “Moscow effectively admits that its bombardments are aimed at instilling fear among foreign diplomats. This evidence will be valuable in international legal proceedings against the aggressor state.”
In response to these threats, the Ministry expressed its readiness to assist in enhancing the security of foreign diplomatic missions that request such support. It also acknowledged the commitment of foreign diplomatic missions and diplomats who continue their work in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Moreover, the Ministry reiterated to Ukraine’s allies that the most effective response to Russian threats is to increase pressure on the aggressor. This statement follows remarks made by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 25, which claimed that the Russian military would begin systematic strikes on Ukrainian defense industry facilities in Kyiv and other decision-making centers. The Russian Ministry also urged foreign nationals, including diplomatic personnel, to leave Kyiv as soon as possible.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded to these threats, asserting that they are intended to intimidate Western diplomats. However, he expressed confidence that this intimidation would not succeed. European Union Ambassador to Kyiv, Katarína Mathernová, also affirmed that Western diplomats would not abandon Kyiv despite the renewed threats from Russia.
During a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov officially communicated that the Russian military was commencing systematic strikes on facilities in Kyiv purportedly used for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that security threats from Russia remain unchanged, citing ongoing military aggression. The Ministry condemned recent Russian threats as intimidation tactics aimed at foreign diplomats, while reaffirming its commitment to diplomatic security and international cooperation.