Russia Urges Foreigners to Leave Kyiv Over Victory Day Threat

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

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.