Russia Orders Evacuation of Diplomats From Kyiv

Russia’s foreign ministry has urged foreign embassies in Kyiv to ensure the “timely evacuation” of their personnel and citizens in case Moscow launches strikes on the Ukrainian capital, according to statements reported by multiple outlets on 6 May.

The warning follows Moscow’s announcement earlier this week of a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine from 8 to 9 May to coincide with the military parade in Red Square. Russia did not publicly detail the exact conditions that would trigger strikes on Kyiv. Ukraine has not issued an immediate public response to the evacuation request.

Both sides have issued separate ceasefire proposals in the days before 9 May. Ukrainian officials stated that Kyiv proposed a ceasefire for 6 May which Russia ignored. Moscow’s proposal covered only its own Victory Day period. Ukrainian officials reported multiple Russian strikes on 6 May, the day Kyiv’s unilateral ceasefire was supposed to be in force.

At least four people were killed, including two at a kindergarten in the northern Sumy region.

Frontline commanders told reporters that Russian infantry raids and attempts to storm positions continued despite the truce declarations. One commander said combat intensity remained at the same level and described operations as “an eye for an eye.”

Russia’s defence ministry reported downing 53 Ukrainian drones between 21:00 and 07:00 local time, a lower number than in previous days. The ministry did not specify whether any of those drones targeted areas after midnight, when Kyiv’s ceasefire was meant to begin. Both sides have intensified drone and missile strikes in recent weeks.

The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had made “aggressive and threatening statements” about the 9 May commemorations during a meeting in Armenia attended by several EU countries. She added that none of those countries reprimanded the statements.