Countries condemn Russian 'threats' to embassies in Kyiv

Nearly 50 nations have jointly condemned what they describe as threats by Russia against diplomatic missions in Kyiv, issuing a statement at the United Nations. The condemnation comes after Russia urged the United States to evacuate its embassy in the Ukrainian capital, warning of "systematic strikes."

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We also condemn recent threats by Russia to diplomatic institutions and embassies in Kyiv. This is something which we cannot accept.

"We also condemn recent threats by Russia to diplomatic institutions and embassies in Kyiv. This is something which we cannot accept," stated the joint declaration, delivered by Ukrainian UN representative Andriy Melnyk. The statement garnered signatures from European countries, Japan, and South Korea, among others.

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I am deeply concerned by a recent announcement by the Russian Federation to launch consistent and systematic strikes against Ukrainian defence enterprises in Kyiv, as well as against decision making centers and command posts following reports of an Ukrainian drone attack on a college building and dormitory in the Ukrainian city of Starobilsk, presently occupied by the Russian Federation.

This diplomatic pressure follows a weekend of intense Russian attacks, which included dozens of drones and missiles. The barrage resulted in four fatalities and significant damage across Kyiv. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the escalating attacks, noting that Russia's actions followed reports of a Ukrainian drone strike on a college building and dormitory in the Russian-occupied city of Starobilsk.

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Now more than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation of a conflict that has already exacted a devastating toll on civilians and that risks making the search for peace even more distant.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, accused Russia of attempting to "destabilize" European democracies through recent drone alerts in the Baltic states. She acknowledged that these alerts had "exposed vulnerabilities" in the continent's defenses, highlighting the reality faced by those on Europe's eastern border.

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trying to destabilise