Russia Urges Foreigners Leave Kyiv Over Victory Day Threat

Russia told foreign governments and organizations to evacuate diplomatic staff and citizens from Kyiv, saying a retaliatory strike would be inevitable if Ukraine tried to attack Moscow during World War II Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said late Wednesday that Russia had sent a message to all accredited embassies urging them to take “very, very seriously” a May 4 statement from the Defense Ministry warning of strikes if Ukraine interrupts the Moscow commemorations that include a military parade on Red Square.