EU diplomats in Kyiv to remain after Moscow warning
The European Union does not intend to evacuate its diplomats from Kyiv, despite warnings from Russia about possible strikes on decision-making centres if Ukraine attempts to disrupt Victory Day commemorations in Moscow.
“Russia is once again outrageously trying to blame Ukraine for its own war of aggression. We will not change our position or our presence in Kyiv,” said Anouar El Anouni, the European Commission spokesperson for foreign affairs.
Russian officials have previously spoken of the possibility of such strikes, although they have not been carried out for various reasons. This time, Moscow’s warnings appear more serious, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent statements have been interpreted in Russia as deliberate provocation.
In Yerevan, Zelenskyy spoke about Ukrainian drones “buzzing over Red Square” on May 9. He also said Ukrainian intelligence services were studying the work of Russian air defences ahead of the holiday.
Drone attacks add to escalation concerns
These remarks have been followed by action. More than 50 Ukrainian drones were shot down in the Moscow Regiontoday. None reached Moscow, but the attacks temporarily disrupted air traffic around the Russian capital.
That raises questions about the role being assigned to European diplomats whom their leadership is leaving in Kyivdespite the risk of air strikes. Critics argue that, in such a scenario, they could become a form of political cover for the same “decision-making centres” mentioned by Moscow.
Some also warn that their presence could be used in a more dangerous way as a symbolic casualty in the event of further escalation.
