The European Commission has condemned recent threats from Russia regarding potential attacks on Kyiv, describing them as part of the country’s reckless escalation tactics in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Anouar El-Anouini, a spokesperson for the Commission, made these remarks during a press briefing.
El-Anouini stated, “Russia is once again outrageously attempting to shift the blame for its own aggressive war against Ukraine onto Ukraine itself. As far as we are concerned, the EU will not change its position or its presence in Kyiv.” This statement underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities.
In recent years, Russian attacks have already caused damage to several diplomatic missions in Kyiv, including that of the EU. El-Anouini noted, “Russia attacks Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine daily, killing innocent civilians and striking infrastructure. Despite Ukraine’s ongoing calls for a ceasefire and peace, including a recent proposal from President Zelensky, Russia has never shown any serious intent to stop the war. Instead, it continues to escalate violence and killings.”
At the end of April, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed to U.S. President Donald Trump a willingness for a ceasefire with Ukraine on Victory Day. Trump reportedly supported this proposal. However, on May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from May 8 to May 9. On the same day, President Zelensky declared a silence regime for the night of May 5 to 6, emphasizing that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would respond proportionately if Russian troops violated this arrangement.
Zelensky later indicated that since Moscow had disrupted the proposed ceasefire, Ukraine would reassess its next steps. On May 6, he reiterated that Russia had not halted any of its military activities, and Ukraine would act correspondingly.
In a related development, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged foreign diplomats to evacuate from Kyiv ahead of a potential Russian “retaliatory strike on decision-making centers” if Moscow were attacked during the announced ceasefire.
The European Commission has denounced Russia's threats against Kyiv as part of its aggressive tactics in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Despite calls for peace, Russia continues its military actions, prompting Ukraine to reassess its responses.