Russia Warns of Retaliation Following Ukraine's Threats to Moscow

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal warning to foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv to evacuate, citing the inevitability of a Russian response to potential Ukrainian attacks on Moscow during the May 9 Victory Day parade.

Key points

• Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia will strike decision-making centers in Kyiv if Ukraine attacks Moscow.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 46 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over several Russian regions within a 13-hour period.
• President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine will provide a mirror response if Russia continues its military strikes.
• Russia accused European Union countries of attempting to ignore or downplay the threats made by the Ukrainian leadership.

Why it matters

The exchange of threats and military activity regarding the Victory Day holiday marks a significant escalation in the conflict, raising concerns about potential strikes on capital cities and the safety of diplomatic personnel.