Russia urges foreigners to leave Ukraine capital over Victory Day threat
Moscow says it will respond to any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt Saturday’s commemorations
Russia told foreign governments and organisations to evacuate diplomatic staff and citizens from Kyiv, saying a retaliatory strike would be inevitable if Ukraine tried to attack Moscow during World War II Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said late Wednesday that Russia had sent a message to all accredited embassies urging them to take “very, very seriously” a May 4 statement from the Defence Ministry warning of strikes if Ukraine interrupts the Moscow commemorations that include a military parade on Red Square.
“The instinct for self-preservation should not fail them,” Zakharova said, adding that any strikes on Kyiv would include what Moscow called “decision-making centres”.
The latest statement was issued as Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations over proposals for a ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral truce for May 8-9 to cover the Victory Day celebrations, saying Russia expected Ukraine to abide by it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has not committed to observe the Russian truce, countered with an offer to start a ceasefire from midnight on May 6. He said Russian drone and missile attacks that followed the deadline showed that the Kremlin had rejected his offer.