Russia urged other countries to "evacuate their diplomats in advance" from Kyiv, threatening a possible "retaliatory strike" by its army on the Ukrainian capital.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the diplomatic missions of other countries and international organizations to evacuate their staff from Kyiv, threatening a possible "retaliatory strike" by the Russian army on the Ukrainian capital. The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated on Wednesday, May 6, that a corresponding note was sent on May 4 to all accredited diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations in Ukraine.
According to Zakharova, the Russian Armed Forces may deliver a massive strike on Kyiv if Ukraine violates the "ceasefire in honor of the Victory Day celebrations" on May 8 and 9, which Russia unilaterally declared. At the same time, Maria Zakharova reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly "threatened to disrupt Victory Day in Moscow."
Meanwhile, Zelensky stated at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan on May 4 that the truncated format of the parade in Moscow - without military equipment - indicates the fear of the Russian authorities before Ukrainian drones. The Russian Ministry of Defense interpreted his words as a threat to strike Moscow with drones on May 9.
Zelensky: Russia violated the "silence regime"
In early May, Russia announced that, by the decision of President Vladimir Putin, it unilaterally declares a "ceasefire in honor of the Victory Day celebrations" on May 8 and 9. From this message, the Russian Ministry of Defense indicated that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the celebration, Russia would "deliver a retaliatory massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv."
In response, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to cease fire earlier - from midnight on May 6 - if Russia does the same. He emphasized that he considers "human life to be incomparably more valuable than the 'celebration' of any anniversary." The head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, confirmed on May 5 Kyiv's readiness to observe the "silence regime" further if Russia refrains from further strikes.
On May 6, Zelensky accused Russia of violating the "silence regime" and warned that Ukraine would "act reciprocally."
