The German Foreign Ministry has summoned Russian Ambassador Sergey Nechayev in Berlin following threats from Moscow regarding potential airstrikes on Kyiv. This action underscores Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid rising tensions.
In a statement shared on social media, the German government condemned recent attacks on hospitals, schools, and media offices in Kyiv. They characterized these actions, along with a call for the German diplomatic mission to evacuate the Ukrainian capital, as a significant escalation by Russia.
“Today, we made it clear to Russia: we will not succumb to threats and will continue to support Ukraine resolutely,” the statement read.
The backdrop to this diplomatic move includes a recent phone call on May 25 between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov communicated the Kremlin’s stance on the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, asserting that Russia’s military would begin systematic strikes on Kyiv targets used by Ukrainian forces in response to attacks on Russian territory.
Additionally, Lavrov reportedly emphasized to the U.S. the advisability of evacuating diplomatic personnel from Kyiv, a point that was later downplayed by Rubio, who described the notion of a Russian demand for such an evacuation as exaggerated.
On May 22, Russian state media reported an attack on a vocational college in Starobilsk, claiming it was struck by Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian General Staff refuted these allegations, asserting that Ukrainian military operations targeted a Russian military headquarters in the area.
In response to the escalating rhetoric, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a stern warning following reports of drone strikes in Starobilsk, accusing Ukraine of targeting civilian sites and threatening to expand strikes on Kyiv and its infrastructure.
Amid these developments, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced plans to carry out systematic strikes on Ukrainian defense industry facilities, particularly in Kyiv, and mentioned potential attacks on decision-making centers and command posts.
Reactions to Russia’s threats have emerged from various diplomatic missions in Ukraine. The French Embassy condemned the Russian Ministry’s statements as unacceptable, reaffirming its commitment to remain operational in Kyiv while calling for an end to hostilities. Similarly, the Polish Embassy expressed its resolve to continue operations despite provocations, highlighting Russia’s use of terror as a pressure tactic.
European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, characterized the threats against diplomats as a sign of desperation from Russia and confirmed that the EU mission would remain active in Kyiv. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry labeled the threats as a form of intimidation and escalation, urging international partners to bolster their support for Ukraine, particularly in military aid.
Furthermore, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine, Julie Davis, condemned a nighttime attack by Russia on Kyiv on May 24, which targeted museums, metro stations, residential buildings, and other civilian structures.
“Targeted strikes on civilian populations and infrastructure are unacceptable,” she stated.
Germany has summoned the Russian ambassador in response to escalating threats from Moscow regarding airstrikes on Kyiv. This diplomatic action reflects Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine amid rising tensions and attacks on civilian infrastructure.