Germany and France have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining diplomatic operations in Kyiv, despite recent threats from Russia regarding a potential missile strike on the Ukrainian capital. A source from the German Foreign Ministry indicated that these threats highlight Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to engage in peace negotiations.
According to the source, Germany will continue to support Ukraine while increasing pressure on Russia. The ministry emphasized that any deliberate attack on diplomatic missions would constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The safety of personnel in Kyiv remains a top priority, and the ministry is in constant contact with its embassy there to assess security conditions.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, in comments to Bloomberg, stated that there are no plans to evacuate the embassy in Kyiv. Similarly, the French Foreign Ministry confirmed that its embassy would continue to operate normally, labeling Russia’s call for the evacuation of foreign embassies from Kyiv as unacceptable.
The French ministry condemned the threats directed at Kyiv and its decision-making centers, asserting that such actions contradict Russia’s international obligations. France urged Russia to abandon its aggressive stance and seek a ceasefire with Ukraine.
These developments follow a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, which warned of a possible “massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv.” The Russian Foreign Ministry subsequently called for foreign embassies in Kyiv to ensure the evacuation of personnel, citing the inevitability of a retaliatory strike by Russian armed forces.
On May 6, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a temporary ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine, scheduled from May 8 to May 10 in honor of Victory Day, celebrated in Russia on May 9. The ministry urged Ukraine to follow suit, warning that failure to do so would result in an “adequate response.”
In a separate incident, Russian officials reported drone attacks, including one targeting the city of Yaroslavl, which houses the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery. Moscow’s mayor claimed that at least 25 drones were intercepted en route to the capital, although there were no reports of damage or casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on May 8 that fighting continues along the front lines, with no indication of a ceasefire from Russia. He reported over 140 shelling incidents overnight and noted that Russian forces conducted ten assaults, particularly in the Sloviansk direction.
Zelensky has previously expressed support for a ceasefire, but not for a brief pause merely to facilitate a parade in Moscow. He announced a “silence regime” starting on May 6, which was quickly violated by Russian forces, with no response from Moscow to Kyiv’s ceasefire proposal.
Germany and France continue to operate their embassies in Kyiv amid Russian threats of missile strikes, emphasizing their commitment to Ukraine. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions reported by Ukrainian officials.