The European Union has issued a categorical rejection of Russia’s recent ultimatum, declaring that it will not evacuate its diplomatic mission or change its presence in the Ukrainian capital.
The statement, delivered by EU Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Anouar El Anouni on Thursday, May 7, 2026, comes in direct response to an official warning from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moscow has urged all foreign embassies to withdraw their staff from Kyiv immediately, citing “inevitable” strikes on the city during the upcoming May 9 Victory Day celebrations.
The Russian Ultimatum
On Wednesday evening, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that a formal note had been sent to every diplomatic mission accredited in Moscow.
- The Threat: Russia claims that any Ukrainian attempt to disrupt May 9 ceremonies on Russian soil will trigger “massive retaliatory strikes.”
- The Targets: Moscow explicitly stated it would target “decision-making centers” and command hubs within Kyiv.
- The Context: The threat follows reports that Russia has scaled back its traditional military parade in Moscow—reportedly due to fears of Ukrainian drone strikes on Red Square.
The EU’s Response: “Reckless Escalation”
Speaking from Brussels, El Anouni described the Russian warning as part of a “reckless escalatory tactic” designed to intimidate the international community.
“As to us, the EU, we will not change our posture or presence in Kyiv,” El Anouni stated. “Russia, once again, outrageously tries to put blame on Ukraine for its own war of aggression.”
Key points from the EU briefing:
- Daily Reality: The EU emphasized that Russian attacks on Kyiv are already a “daily reality” and that several diplomatic missions, including the EU’s own delegation, have already sustained damage from previous Russian strikes.
- Sovereignty: Brussels reaffirmed that its presence in Kyiv is a sign of unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and a refusal to be intimidated by “terrorist-style warnings.”
High Tensions Ahead of May 9
The exchange of threats has placed Kyiv on high alert as the Saturday holiday approaches.
- Zelenskyy’s Stance: Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia’s fear of drones over Red Square shows the vulnerability of the Kremlin’s narrative. He promised that Ukraine would respond “fairly” to any Russian aggression during the period.
- Diplomatic Solidarity: While some smaller missions have considered temporary relocations, the major EU powers and the United States have signaled they will maintain their diplomatic footprint in the capital as a show of force against Moscow’s “psychological warfare.”
As May 9 approaches, the standoff over Kyiv’s diplomatic quarter has become a symbolic frontline in the broader conflict, with the European Union choosing to stand its ground in the face of what it calls Russian “bluffing and bullying.”
