European capitals have reacted with unified condemnation after Russia issued a formal notification urging foreign diplomats and citizens to leave Kyiv "as soon as possible," citing the threat of intensified air strikes. In a coordinated response, Germany, France, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Estonia, and the European Commission have summoned Russian ambassadors to express their outrage.
The French Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated on Wednesday: "Through its actions, Russia demonstrates daily its cynicism and contempt for international law. France strongly condemns Moscow's intimidation tactics, which are proof of the military impasse in which the country finds itself in Ukraine."
Spain's Foreign Ministry handed the Russian ambassador in Madrid a "strong complaint" over the public threat and the recent large-scale attack on Kyiv. Spanish sources said: "The Spanish Government, in coordination with its partners in the European Union, has reiterated its support for Ukraine's right to self-defence and has urged Russia to halt its aggression, respect international humanitarian law and negotiate in good faith a just and lasting peace."
German, Dutch, and Estonian foreign ministers took to social media to announce their summons. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna posted: "Threatening diplomats, foreigners, and civilians is unacceptable and a blatant violation of the UN Charter. Russia's attempts at intimidation only expose its true face. Our embassy remains open, our diplomats stay in Kyiv."
Poland's Foreign Ministry warned that any strike on its diplomatic missions would be "considered deliberate and intentional." The Polish statement underscored the seriousness with which EU states view the Kremlin's move, which comes amid ongoing Russian missile and drone assaults on Ukrainian cities.
Moscow Doubles Down
In response to the European backlash, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, dismissed the EU's stance with characteristic sarcasm. "The EU has said it will maintain its diplomatic presence in Kyiv unchanged, despite Russia's warnings. Well, apparently they've got diplomats to spare and need to trim the headcount," he said.
The threat has reignited a debate among EU capitals about whether to engage in direct talks with Russia to end the invasion. Some member states argue that dialogue is necessary to de-escalate, while others insist that any negotiation would legitimize Moscow's aggression. The EU foreign ministers are weighing the risks of opening such a dialogue, with no consensus yet in sight.
European diplomats in Kyiv have confirmed they will continue their work without interruption, despite the Kremlin's warning. The unified stance reflects a broader commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, even as Russia intensifies its hybrid warfare tactics, including drone incursions in the Baltic region.
The incident marks another low point in EU-Russia relations, already strained by the war in Ukraine. As the conflict enters its third year, European states remain determined to counter what they see as Moscow's systematic disregard for international norms.
