The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has not evacuated, despite recent assertions to the contrary, according to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy. This statement comes in response to comments made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who suggested that American diplomatic staff had left Ukraine amidst escalating threats from Russia.
Kallas remarked that while European embassies have remained operational in Kyiv, the United States had withdrawn its personnel. She attributed the increase in Russian attacks to the lack of military progress on the battlefield, stating, “They are intensifying terrorist attacks, creating fear within society.” Kallas expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such tactics, noting that they had not succeeded in the past four years.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed gratitude to European diplomats for their resilience in the face of Russian threats during an informal EU meeting in Limassol. He emphasized that attempts at intimidation by Russia are no longer effective, asserting, “Europe has changed. Europe has levers of influence. Europe must act.”
As of now, the U.S. Embassy has not publicly confirmed any evacuation from Kyiv. On May 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced planned strikes on decision-making centers in Kyiv and warned foreign citizens, including diplomatic personnel, to leave the city promptly.
In response to these threats, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that the overall security threat level from Russia remains consistent with previous months. They characterized the new Russian warnings as “shameless blackmail” and offered to enhance security for foreign diplomatic missions that request assistance.
Katarina Maternova, head of the EU Delegation in Kyiv, remarked that the Russian warning appears intended to instill panic among the diplomatic community. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had personally referenced the Kremlin’s warning during a phone call, cautioning that “Kyiv will be a very dangerous place.” Rubio added that Kyiv has been a dangerous location for several years.
He underscored the need for the conflict to conclude, reinforcing that the U.S. is prepared to play a constructive role in achieving peace.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv remains operational despite claims of withdrawal amid Russian threats. European diplomats continue to stand firm in Ukraine, emphasizing resilience against intimidation tactics.