EU rejects Russian warning to leave Kyiv

The European Union said it will not change its presence in Kyiv despite Russian warnings of possible strikes on the Ukrainian capital on 9 May.

A European Commission spokesperson said the EU would not change its “posture or presence” in Kyiv, describing Moscow’s threats as part of its “reckless escalatory tactics”.

Russia earlier warned foreign embassies to evacuate staff and citizens from Kyiv before Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The Kremlin said there could be “retaliatory strikes” if Ukraine disrupted the annual military parade on Red Square.

Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire for 8 and 9 May, but fighting has continued. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of ignoring Ukraine’s own ceasefire proposal while continuing attacks across the country.

Ukrainian officials said Russian strikes on Tuesday killed at least 28 people in several cities. The EU also noted that Russian attacks have previously damaged diplomatic missions in Kyiv, including the EU mission last year.

^{Ukrainian rescuers look through rubble inside a damaged residential building © Serhii Okunev / AFP}