Russia warns of attacks on Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts WWII commemoration, urges diplomats to evacuate

MOSCOW (Central News Agency) – Russia today issued an evacuation warning to diplomats in Kyiv, stating that if Ukraine interferes with the World War II commemoration events held in Moscow this weekend, it will launch attacks on Kyiv. Agence France-Presse reported that Russia did not elaborate on the nature of the threat, and Ukraine did not immediately respond. Russia annually holds a large-scale military parade in Red Square on May 9th to celebrate Victory Day in World War II. Earlier this week, Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine from May 8th to 9th to coincide with the commemoration. In a note to diplomatic missions and international organizations, Russia warned that if Ukraine disrupts the commemoration events this Saturday, Russia will launch “retaliatory airstrikes” on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, “including decision-making centers.” Russia urged them to “ensure that diplomatic and other mission personnel, as well as citizens, can be timely evacuated from the city of Kyiv.” Ukraine has not yet responded to this. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s request for a ceasefire on May 9th, a significant holiday for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy stated on May 4th that Moscow fears Ukrainian drones “hovering over Red Square.” Ukraine proposed a ceasefire on May 6th, but Russia ignored it. Zelenskyy said: “Today, almost all day, almost every hour, we continue to receive reports of attacks from all over.” In his evening address, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would take “reciprocal actions” for Russia’s violations and decide its next steps accordingly.