MOSCOW, 08 May. - (ANA) - Russia told Kyiv-based diplomats and representatives of international organizations to prepare to evacuate the Ukrainian capital, saying its forces would launch a "massive" missile attack against the city if Ukraine disrupted its May 9 World War II commemorations.

 

The warning on May 6 came hours after a Russian drone hit a kindergarten in northern Ukraine and a day after Moscow launched scores of drones and missiles across the country, killing more than two dozen people.

 

In the note to foreign diplomatic missions, Russia warned that its forces would launch a "retaliatory strike" on the capital -- "including against decision-making center" -- if Kyiv disrupted the annual WWII ceremonies, which traditionally include a massive Victory Day parade through Moscow.

 

It urged foreign diplomats and officials in Ukraine to "ensure the timely evacuation of personnel from diplomatic and other missions, as well as citizens, from the city of Kyiv."

 

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a video posted on Telegram, urged foreign officials to take the warning seriously.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/08 May 2026 - - -