The European Union has confirmed that it will not alter the size of its diplomatic mission in Kyiv, despite calls from the Russian Foreign Ministry for the early evacuation of foreign diplomatic personnel due to potential escalations on May 9.
Anouar El-Anouini, a spokesperson for the European Commission, stated, “We will not change our position or presence in Kyiv. Russian attacks are, unfortunately, a daily reality in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine.” However, the spokesperson did not clarify whether the current risk level is perceived to be higher than usual.
El-Anouini characterized Russia’s public threats to attack Kyiv as part of its “mindless escalation tactics.” He further asserted that Russia is attempting to shift the blame onto Ukraine for its own aggressive actions in the ongoing conflict.
On May 6, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, announced that foreign diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations had received a note urging them to ensure the early evacuation of personnel from Kyiv. Zakharova also issued a warning of “inevitable” strikes on Kyiv, particularly targeting “decision-making centers,” should there be an attack on Moscow on May 9. As of now, there have been no reports of foreign diplomatic missions planning to evacuate personnel from Kyiv.
Additionally, on May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense unilaterally declared a ceasefire for May 8 and 9, threatening massive strikes on central Kyiv if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukraine had not received any official communication regarding a ceasefire and announced a silence regime starting from midnight on May 6. Russia subsequently violated this regime with strikes across Ukraine.
The EU has decided to maintain its diplomatic mission in Kyiv despite Russian calls for evacuation. This decision comes amid ongoing threats from Russia regarding potential military actions in Ukraine.