The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy on Friday, May 8, to hand over a formal note of protest following Russia’s warnings to evacuate diplomatic missions and citizens from Kyiv.
In the note, the Lithuanian ministry emphasized that such statements from Moscow are viewed as a “direct threat to use force” against foreign embassies in the capital and other residents of the city.
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“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as similar statements by Russia, clearly violate the prohibition on the threat of the use of force enshrined in Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the Charter of the United Nations,” the ministry stated.
Lithuania further noted that by issuing these warnings, Moscow effectively admits its military plans to continue committing international crimes in Ukraine. The ministry categorically rejected the threats and demanded an unconditional end to Russia’s aggression.
Despite the warnings, the Lithuanian Embassy in Kyiv continues its work while adhering to standard security requirements.
EU defies evacuation calls
The Lithuanian protest follows a similar stance from the broader EU. On May 7, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed the EU does not plan to evacuate its diplomatic mission in Kyiv despite the Russian rhetoric.
“Russia’s public threats to attack Kyiv are part of its reckless escalation tactics,” said spokesperson Anouar El Anouni. He noted that Russian strikes on the capital are already a “daily reality” and have previously damaged the EU delegation’s facilities.
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Victory Day tensions
The escalation comes as Russia celebrates its May 9 Victory Day. Moscow previously warned foreign missions of potential “massive retaliatory strikes” against “decision-making centers” if Ukraine disrupted Victory Day events. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed the evacuation notices were sent to ensure the “timely” safety of diplomatic staff.
In a humanitarian gesture intended to facilitate a large-scale prisoner exchange, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree formally excluding Moscow’s Red Square from Ukraine’s list of military targets for the duration of the parade. The order designated specific coordinates as off-limits for Ukrainian weapons beginning at 10 a.m. Kyiv time on Saturday.
While the Kremlin declared a unilateral ceasefire for the holiday period, Zelensky dismissed the move as a cynical attempt to protect Russia’s parade, noting that Moscow had ignored a Ukrainian-proposed truce earlier in the week.