On May 26, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the European Union (EU) summoned Russian ambassadors, a day after Moscow warned foreigners and diplomats to leave Ukraine's capital Kyiv, citing preparations for new airstrikes.
EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper called Russia's move 'an unacceptable escalation' and urged Moscow to 'stop attacking civilians and engage in genuine peace negotiations, starting with a complete and unconditional ceasefire.'
In early May, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire to allow Moscow to commemorate the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany, but fighting quickly resumed, with each side blaming the other for violating the agreement.
On May 25, Moscow announced it would strike more targets in Kyiv after shelling and drone attacks on Ukraine over the weekend killed four people. Among the weapons used were Oreshknik hypersonic missiles, which travel ten times the speed of sound.
The warning followed Russia's accusation that Ukraine attacked a vocational school in Russian-controlled Luhansk last week, killing 21 people. President Vladimir Putin on May 24 ordered the military to prepare retaliatory options.
Russia's Foreign Ministry stated: 'In the current context, the Russian Armed Forces have begun conducting systematic strikes on Ukraine's defense industrial facilities in Kyiv. The strikes will target both decision-making centers and command posts... We warn foreign nationals, including staff of diplomatic missions and international organizations, to leave the city as soon as possible.'
In response, Germany's Foreign Ministry called Russia's actions 'threats, terror, and escalation,' adding, 'We will not be intimidated and will continue to support Ukraine to the fullest.' Norway and the Netherlands also summoned Russian ambassadors over the threats to attack Kyiv.
With no end to the war in sight, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated on May 26 that Washington is ready to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, while peace talks remain deadlocked.
