EditEU stands firm in Kyiv: no evacuation despite Russian threats ahead of 9 May parade
Russia had urged immediate evacuation of diplomatic staff in Kyiv to stay safe from “inevitable retaliatory strike” if Ukraine disrupts Moscow’s Victory Day events
The European Union has explicitly ruled out any evacuation of its diplomatic personnel from Kyiv, rejecting Russia’s latest warnings of retaliatory strikes on the Ukrainian capital as “reckless escalatory tactics.”
European Commission Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Anouar El-Anouni declared on Thursday: “Russia’s public threats to attack Kyiv are part of its reckless escalatory tactics. Russia, once again, outrageously tries to put blame on Ukraine for its own war of aggression against Ukraine. As to us, the EU, we will not change our posture or presence in Kyiv.” He noted that Russian attacks remain a “daily reality” in the Ukrainian capital and other regions.
The statement directly responds to a formal note sent by Russia’s Foreign Ministry to all diplomatic missions and international organizations in Kyiv. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged immediate evacuation of staff and citizens, warning of an “inevitable retaliatory strike” – including on “decision-making centres” – if Ukraine disrupts Moscow’s Victory Day events on 9 May.
Failed ceasefire efforts underscore deep stalemate
This latest escalation occurs against a backdrop of repeated failures to secure even a temporary ceasefire. Ukraine declared a unilateral “state of silence” from midnight on 5-6 May to test Russia’s seriousness ahead of the parade, yet Russian forces launched nearly 30 assaults, over 70 aerial bombs, dozens of drones and missiles, killing at least 27 civilians and striking civilian infrastructure across multiple cities.
Russia’s warnings are explicitly tied to fears that Ukraine will target its flagship Victory Day commemorations in Moscow. Zelenskyy highlighted on 4 May that Russia has already scaled back the Red Square parade dramatically – the first time since 2008 it will feature no heavy military equipment – citing the threat of Ukrainian drones flying over the event.
Moscow has responded with fortress-like security measures across the capital, including temporary airport closures and mobile internet disruptions, reflecting acute anxiety over potential drone or missile strikes during the high-profile military parade.
Putin’s Victory Day ceasefire offer underscores Russia’s panic from Ukrainian drones
Paranoia in Moscow
Analysts and Ukrainian officials describe the Kremlin’s actions as symptomatic of growing paranoia in Moscow. Despite claiming the warnings are purely “retaliatory,” Russia has a well-documented history of launching massive strikes on Kyiv regardless of any Ukrainian activity near its borders or during symbolic dates.
Foreign embassies in Kyiv have repeatedly suffered material damage in these attacks. A 20 December 2024 Russian missile barrage heavily damaged a single building housing the embassies of Albania, Argentina, North Macedonia, Palestine, Portugal and Montenegro.
Other strikes have hit the Polish, Azerbaijani and EU delegation buildings. In January 2026, the Qatari embassy was also damaged.
The EU’s refusal to budge signals that Western partners view Russia’s latest threats not as legitimate security concerns, but as an attempt to manufacture panic and shift blame while continuing its war of aggression. As El-Anouni emphasised, the EU’s diplomatic presence in Kyiv remains unchanged – a clear message of resolve just two days before Russia’s most symbolically charged national holiday.
Caption: A couple takes a selfie in Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, 20 April 2026, amid the Russian invasion. EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO
Updated: May 7, 2026 - 15:43
