EU will not evacuate diplomats from Kyiv following Russian threats ahead of May 9 - spokesperson
Kyiv • UNN
The EU will not evacuate diplomats from Kyiv despite Russia's threats leading up to May 9. Brussels described Russia's statements as part of a reckless escalatory tactic.
The European Union does not plan to change its presence in Kyiv or evacuate its diplomatic mission despite Russia's threats regarding possible attacks ahead of May 9. Brussels stated that the Russian claims are part of a "reckless escalatory tactic." This was stated during a briefing by EU Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Anouar El Anouni, UNN reports.
Details
During the briefing, journalists asked the EU representative about a statement by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who claimed the previous day that foreign diplomatic missions had allegedly been sent a note calling for "ensuring the early evacuation of personnel from Kyiv" before the so-called "Victory Day" in Moscow.
In response, the EU spokesperson emphasized that the European Union would not change its position or presence in the Ukrainian capital.
As for us, the EU, we will not change our position or our presence in Kyiv
He also called Russia's public threats part of its escalatory policy.
Russia's public threats to attack Kyiv are part of its reckless escalatory tactics. Russia is once again trying to shift the blame onto Ukraine for its own aggressive war
The EU emphasized that Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities have been a daily reality for a long time.
Brussels also recalled that Russian strikes have already damaged diplomatic missions in Kyiv, including the EU mission.
Russia attacks Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities every day, killing civilians and striking infrastructure
Separately, the EU stated that despite Ukraine's numerous calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations, including Volodymyr Zelenskyy's latest proposals, Moscow "has never demonstrated a serious intention to stop the war."