The embassies of the EU, France and Poland announced that they would continue to work in Kyiv despite the Russian Foreign Ministry's threats to launch new strikes on the capital. The diplomats called Russia's statements unacceptable and stressed their support for Ukraine. Ukraine's Foreign Minister urged his partners not to succumb to Russian pressure.
Briefly about the main points
- The embassies of the EU, France and Poland refused to leave Kyiv after Russia's threats.
- The French Embassy called the Russian Foreign Ministry's statements unacceptable and a violation of international norms.
- Minister Sibiga urged the partners not to succumb to Russian blackmail.
- EU Ambassador Mathernova said that Russia's threats are a sign of the Kremlin's desperation.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry threatened systematic strikes against Kyiv and Ukraine's defence companies.
The embassies of the EU, France and Poland announced that they would continue to work in Kyiv despite the Russian Foreign Ministry's threats to launch new strikes on the capital. The diplomats called Russia's statements unacceptable and stressed their support for Ukraine. Ukraine's Foreign Minister urged his partners not to succumb to Russian pressure.
Basic context
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made statement on the expansion of strikes on Kyiv and infrastructure facilities, as well as on “decision-making centres” and enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry.
In response, the EU, French and Polish embassies in Ukraine categorically rejected Russia's demands to leave Kyiv. EU Ambassador Katarina Maternova stressed that threats to diplomats are a sign of the Kremlin's desperation, which cannot break Ukraine's resilience and support of its partners.
Reaction of European embassies
The French Embassy called the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement unacceptable and contrary to Russia's international obligations. The embassy's press service said it would continue to work as usual and called on Moscow to abandon its aggression and agree to a ceasefire.
The Polish Embassy said that it does not succumb to the provocative rhetoric of the aggressor and continues to work in Ukraine. They stressed that Russia is using terror against civilians and diplomatic missions in an attempt to achieve political goals that are unattainable by military means.
Ukrainian response and appeals
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibiga commented on Russia's escalation and called on partners not to succumb to blackmail. He said that Moscow uses nuclear threats and military exercises to exert pressure, but there are no signs of a peace process from Russia.
Sibiga calls for Ukraine to be given additional assistance packages, including missiles and deterrents to support the Ukrainian army. He stressed that Putin will not achieve his military goals in Ukraine.
Context of recent events
Earlier, on 22 May, the Russian propaganda agency TASS reported a blow to the educational building and the dormitory of Starobilsk College, accusing the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied these claims, reporting that the headquarters of the Rubicon unit in the temporarily occupied Starobilsk had been hit.
Chargé d'Affaires of the United States of America in Ukraine Julie Davis condemned Russia's night attack on Kyiv 24 May and expressed condolences to the victims, recalling the need to end the war.
