Russia Urges Evacuation of Foreign Diplomatic Missions from Kiev

Moscow (ANTARA) - Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated on Wednesday (6/5) that it has sent a note to all foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited by the ministry, urging them to ensure the evacuation of personnel from Kiev. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement, the notification follows a warning issued on Monday (4/5) by Russia’s Ministry of Defence regarding threats from Ukrainian authorities to carry out an attack on Moscow during Victory Day celebrations. Russia’s Foreign Ministry calls on relevant governments and organisations to respond to the warning responsibly and ensure timely evacuation efforts to help their staff and citizens leave Kiev. This is due to the high likelihood of retaliatory strikes by Russian forces against Kiev if Ukraine indeed launches an attack during the celebrations. The ministry added that Russia’s diplomatic missions abroad have also provided information on this situation to accredited countries and international organisations. On Monday, Russia’s Ministry of Defence warned that any attempts to disrupt the 81st anniversary celebrations of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War would trigger a massive missile strike towards the centre of Ukraine’s capital. Victory Day, commemorated every 9 May to mark the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, is one of Russia’s most important national holidays. At the end of April, the Kremlin announced that the military parade would still be held in Red Square but without military equipment for security reasons.