A full moon rises over the city during an air raid alarm in Kyiv, Ukraine May 2, 2026. GLEB GARANICH / REUTERS
Russia sent an evacuation warning to foreign diplomats in Kyiv on Wednesday, May 6, saying it would attack the city if Ukraine disrupted World War II commemorations in Moscow this weekend. Russia did not elaborate on its threat, and Ukraine did not immediately respond.
Russia marks World War II Victory Day each year on May 9 with a massive military parade through Red Square. The country earlier this week declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine between May 8 and 9 to coincide with the commemorations.
In a note to foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, Russia warned it would launch a "retaliatory strike" on the Ukrainian capital, "including against decision-making centres," if Ukraine disrupted the commemorations this Saturday. It urged them to "ensure the timely evacuation of personnel from diplomatic and other missions, as well as citizens, from the city of Kyiv." There was no immediate reaction from Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Russia for demanding a ceasefire on May 9, an important holiday for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky suggested on Monday that Moscow was afraid Ukrainian drones would "buzz over Red Square."
