UK Calls Russia's Kyiv Evacuation Warning 'Irresponsible'

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned Russia's call for the evacuation of Kyiv and diplomatic missions in the Ukrainian capital, labeling it "irresponsible and completely unjustified."

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Threats by Moscow to strike the center of Kyiv and the warning addressed to diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv are... irresponsible and entirely unjustified.

London's reaction comes after Moscow warned of potential retaliatory attacks if Ukraine attempted to disrupt the commemoration of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany on Saturday. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova conveyed Moscow's threat.

The UK Foreign Office issued a sharp criticism of Russia's rhetoric, stating that Moscow's threats to strike central Kyiv and its warning to diplomatic missions to leave are "irresponsible and entirely unjustified." Britain emphasized that any attack on a diplomatic mission would constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and would escalate the already high tensions of the conflict.

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Any attack on a diplomatic mission will constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a further escalation in this ideal war.

This strong stance from the UK underscores the ongoing diplomatic tensions and the severe international repercussions that any direct attack on diplomatic facilities would entail. It highlights the UK's commitment to upholding international law and condemning actions that threaten civilian safety and diplomatic integrity amidst the ongoing conflict.

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Moscow has asked foreign missions to treat the warning 'with the utmost seriousness' and ensure the preventive evacuation of personnel and foreign citizens.