Moscow has issued a stark warning that Ukrainian President Zelensky’s government is pursuing “terrorist plans” to disrupt upcoming Victory Day celebrations, which could trigger a large-scale retaliatory strike on Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated Wednesday that the government had sent an urgent notice to all diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Russia, demanding their immediate evacuation from the Ukrainian capital.
“The Foreign Ministry urgently calls on the government of your country … to ensure the timely evacuation from the city of Kiev,” the note states, warning that Ukraine’s leadership is pursuing “criminal terrorist plans” if it proceeds with its disruptions.
The Russian Defense Ministry had announced a two-day ceasefire for May 8-9 to mark the end of World War II in Europe. Moscow attributed this decision to comments made by Zelensky earlier in the day, which it said contained threats targeting Moscow during the celebrations.
Following the announcement, Zelensky dismissed the truce as “unfair” and claimed no official request had been made to his government. Hours later, he unilaterally declared a ceasefire effective midnight on May 5-6.
Russia has not acknowledged compliance with this new arrangement, but Ukrainian officials have accused Moscow of violating the truce nearly 2,000 times during Wednesday alone, claiming it is “an obvious spurning of saving lives.”
Throughout the conflict, Russia has repeatedly declared ceasefires during major holidays, though each pause has been followed by accusations of violations from both sides.
