European allies condemn Moscow’s directive to evacuate Kyiv embassies
The Ukrainian foreign ministry dismissed Moscow’s threat to heavily target the capital as unremarkable, while European partners formally rejected the call for foreign diplomatic staff to abandon their posts.
Russia launched a significant aerial assault on Ukraine between 25 and 26 May, firing more than 100 drones and two ballistic missiles at the country. The attack coincides with a broader diplomatic offensive from Moscow, which has urged foreign citizens, including diplomats, to leave Kyiv and instructed local residents to avoid military and government facilities.
In response to the escalating military activity, the Ukrainian foreign ministry addressed Moscow’s recent threat to target the capital heavily from the air. The ministry stated that the warning brought nothing new, suggesting a pattern of similar rhetoric that has been previously dismissed by Kyiv officials.
The diplomatic dimension of the conflict has intensified following Russia’s directive for foreign embassies to abandon their posts in Kyiv. European allies have formally condemned this call, rejecting the attempt to disrupt diplomatic operations and signal instability in the Ukrainian capital.
Reporting from Dnipro, FRANCE 24’s Gulliver Cragg noted the ongoing tension as Kyiv braces for potential renewed attacks. The source material does not provide specific details regarding Ukrainian casualties or the extent of infrastructure damage resulting from the 25 to 26 May strikes.
The situation remains fluid as European partners maintain their stance against the evacuation orders. It remains unclear how many foreign embassies have initiated or completed the evacuation process following the Russian directive, nor which specific nations are leading the condemnation efforts.
