Russia has issued a stark warning for foreign diplomats and citizens to evacuate in anticipation of a potential missile strike. The threat of an attack on Kyiv is linked to any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day military parade in Moscow. Speculation suggests that Russia may use Oreshnik missiles with conventional warheads, which could result in extensive devastation.
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova emphasized the need for Western and other nations to promptly evacuate their personnel from diplomatic missions and citizens from Kyiv. The defense ministry’s warning of a retaliatory strike on Kyiv, targeting decision-making centers, should the Ukrainian regime proceed with its alleged “criminal terrorist plans” must be taken seriously.
The warning, according to Zhakharova, should not be disregarded and was prompted by a threat from Volodymyr Zelensky to deploy drones during the May 9 military parade in Moscow. Zelensky accused Putin of rejecting a ceasefire proposal and intensifying attacks on Ukraine, portraying him as a leader fixated on war and the parade.
The situation escalated as Ukraine launched numerous drones towards Russia, resulting in attacks on multiple regions and a significant fire at a military facility in Naro-Fominsk, Moscow. The Ukrainian strikes extended to the Black Sea resort of Sochi and caused disruptions in various areas, including the closure of Vnukovo airport in Moscow and temporary shutdowns of airports in the Urals.
In response to the threats of Ukrainian attacks, several cities and regions in Russia decided to cancel their Victory Day military parades, dealing a blow to Putin’s plans. Locations such as Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Krasnodar, and others chose to forego the parades due to security concerns.
