"We are staying": EU embassies remain in Kyiv despite Russian warning to diplomats
EU embassies in Kyiv have decided to stay despite a Russian warning that foreign diplomats should leave or risk their lives. The EU ambassador says Moscow is trying to scare Europe into reducing support for Ukraine.
European Union embassies in Kyiv have rejected a Russian warning urging foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital or face danger to their lives, announcing instead that they will remain in place.
EU Ambassador Katarína Mathernová said the warning is an attempt by Moscow to intimidate Europe and pressure it into scaling back its support for Ukraine. According to her, the move should be seen as a pressure tactic rather than a genuine security concern.
Other countries take the same stance
The response has not come only from the EU as an institution. Individual member states have echoed the same position, with Poland and Estonia both confirming that they, too, will not relocate their diplomatic missions from Kyiv, rejecting Moscow's demand.
The decision to stay is being framed as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine as the country continues to fight against Russian aggression. The continued presence of diplomatic missions in Kyiv is seen as a symbolic but significant show of support, signaling that European states do not intend to back down under pressure.
It remains unclear whether Russia plans any further action regarding the presence of diplomats in Kyiv, or whether the warning will remain a purely rhetorical step in a broader pressure campaign against Ukraine's allies.
