The European Commission has summoned the Russian Chargé d’Affaires following recent attacks on Ukraine and threats to escalate military action. Anita Hipper, a spokesperson for the Commission, stated that the EU conveyed its strong disapproval of these actions, emphasizing that Russia shows no interest in pursuing peace.
Hipper remarked, “We have just summoned the Russian Chargé d’Affaires to communicate our messages that this is absolutely unacceptable. This further demonstrates what we already knew: Russia is completely uninterested in peace and disregards all efforts aimed at achieving it. We will continue our support for Ukraine, which requires air defense and further financial assistance.” She also noted that EU foreign ministers are scheduled to hold an informal meeting in Cyprus to discuss increasing international pressure on Russia.
In response to threats from Russian authorities to carry out systematic strikes on Ukraine, particularly in the capital, Kyiv, Hipper affirmed the EU’s ongoing presence and operations in the city. She stated, “We see that Russia is merely attempting to sow panic and instill fear. They seek to create an atmosphere of terror and isolation in Ukraine and beyond, but we have a clear message: this will not work. On the contrary, the EU maintains its presence and operations in Kyiv. These threats reek of desperation.”
Hipper quoted EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, who indicated that the Russian strikes and threats are linked to Russia’s losses on the battlefield. She added, “These attacks are unfortunately a daily reality for Ukraine, Kyiv, and its residents, as well as for our delegation on the ground—our civilian mission headquarters has been struck due to reckless attacks. We reiterate that any deliberate attacks against civilians and non-military targets constitute war crimes. All commanders, perpetrators, and accomplices of these gross violations of international humanitarian law will be held accountable.”
On May 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced plans to target “decision-making centers and command posts” in Kyiv. The ministry warned foreign nationals, including diplomatic staff and representatives of international organizations, to leave the city as soon as possible.
In response, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry assessed that the overall security threat level from Russia remains consistent with previous years and months. The Ministry characterized the new Russian threats as nothing more than shameless blackmail and expressed readiness to assist in enhancing security for foreign diplomatic missions that request it.
Katarina Maternova, Head of the EU Delegation in Kyiv, stated that the Russian warning aims to instill panic, asserting, “Russia wants fear, panic, and isolation for Ukraine. This will not work. The EU is not going anywhere. We remain in Kyiv. We stand with Ukraine.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov personally mentioned the Kremlin’s warning during a phone call, cautioning the U.S. that “Kyiv will be a very dangerous place.” Rubio noted that Kyiv has been a dangerous location for several years and emphasized that recent Russian strikes, including the recent mass attack on Kyiv, confirm that “the war must end,” with the U.S. prepared to play a constructive role in this process.
The European Commission has summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in response to recent military threats against Ukraine. EU officials reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine amid escalating tensions and condemned Russia's actions as unacceptable.