The French Embassy in Ukraine has denounced recent statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding potential further attacks on Kyiv and demands for diplomatic missions to leave the capital. The embassy’s response highlights concerns over the implications of such threats.
In a statement issued by the embassy, officials condemned what they termed as “irresponsible” remarks made by Russian authorities. They stated, “Moscow’s threats, particularly towards decision-making centers and foreign embassies in Ukraine, are unacceptable and contravene Russia’s international obligations. This rhetoric reflects a desperate situation in which Russian aggression finds itself.”
The French diplomatic mission urged Russia to abandon its aggressive stance and agree to a ceasefire alongside Ukraine. The embassy confirmed that it would continue its operations in Kyiv as usual.
Similarly, the Polish Embassy stated that it remains operational in Ukraine and will not succumb to what it described as provocative rhetoric from Russia. In its statement, the embassy remarked, “Russia continues to employ terror against Ukraine, its civilian population, and foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv, aiming to achieve political objectives unattainable through military means.”
Katarína Maternová, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, also reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to its work despite Russian threats. She remarked, “Threats against diplomats and international organizations do not indicate strength; they are a sign of desperation. The more aggressive and threatening the Kremlin becomes, the clearer it is that the Putin regime recognizes it cannot break Ukraine’s resilience or the support of its partners.”
Maternová further pointed out the hypocrisy of Russia’s claims regarding international treaties and violations of the Geneva Conventions, noting that the country has been targeting Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure for years.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a stern statement following reports of drone strikes in Starobilsk, Luhansk region, accusing Ukraine of attacking civilian targets and threatening to escalate strikes on Kyiv and infrastructure sites. The ministry claimed that responsibility for these attacks lies not only with Ukrainian forces but also with Western partners who supply weapons and provide intelligence support.
In light of these accusations, the Russian foreign ministry announced its intention to “systematically deliver strikes” on Ukrainian defense industry enterprises, particularly in Kyiv, and mentioned potential strikes on “decision-making centers” and command posts.
On May 22, the Russian news agency TASS reported a strike on a training building and dormitory of the Starobilsk Professional College, accusing Ukrainian forces of the attack. However, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine refuted these claims, stating that Ukrainian military forces had targeted a command post of the ‘Rubikon’ unit in the temporarily occupied Starobilsk area.
The French and Polish embassies in Ukraine have condemned recent threats from Russia regarding potential attacks on Kyiv and the presence of foreign diplomatic missions. Both embassies reaffirmed their commitment to continue operations in Ukraine amidst escalating tensions.