August M
The European Union says it will maintain its diplomatic presence in Kyiv despite renewed threats from Moscow ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
Ukrainska Pravda reported that EU officials rejected calls linked to warnings from the Russian Foreign Ministry about possible strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
Brussels responds
According to Ukrainska Pravda, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the EU would not change its position in response to Russian statements.
“Let me here reiterate our position on the matter. Russia’s public threats to attack Kyiv are part of its reckless escalatory tactics,” El Anouni said.
“As to us, the EU, we will not change our posture or presence in Kyiv.”
Russia blamed
El Anouni also accused Moscow of attempting to shift responsibility for the war onto Ukraine.
“Russia, once again, outrageously tries to put blame on Ukraine for its own war of aggression, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, the EU official pointed to repeated Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, including strikes that previously damaged diplomatic buildings.
Ceasefire dispute
The tensions follow Russia’s announcement of a unilateral truce for May 8-9 tied to Victory Day commemorations.
Ukraine instead proposed an immediate ceasefire beginning on the night of May 5-6, a move backed by several Western allies including Germany and Norway, the report said.
However, Ukrainian officials claimed Russia resumed air attacks almost immediately afterward.
Diplomatic pressure
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had urged diplomats to leave Kyiv ahead of what she described as possible retaliatory strikes if Ukraine carried out “terrorist intentions” during the Victory Day period.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Moscow’s rejection of Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal demonstrated that Russia was not genuinely interested in peace, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
The report also noted that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is expected to visit Moscow on May 9, although he has stated he will not attend the military parade itself.
Sources: Ukrainska Pravda, European Pravda.
