More than fifty states expressed their strong protest against the new threats from the Russian Federation aimed at diplomatic institutions and embassies located in Kyiv during a meeting of the United Nations in New York on May 26.
This is reported by Kyiv24
International reaction to Russia’s threats
The permanent representative of Ukraine to the UN, Andrii Melnyk, made a statement noting that such behavior is absolutely unacceptable to the international community. The document emphasizes that states cannot tolerate threats directed at foreign diplomatic missions in the capital of Ukraine.
“We condemn the recent threats from Russia to diplomatic institutions and embassies in Kyiv. This is something we cannot accept.”
In addition, the participating countries condemned the missile attack carried out by Russia on the night of May 23-24, which was one of the largest for Kyiv. Special attention was paid to the use of the medium-range ballistic missile “Oreshnik” against the city of Bila Tserkva.
Assessment of threats and Ukraine’s position
The statement from the international community also emphasizes the need for an immediate cessation of attacks on the civilian population, critical infrastructure, and energy facilities in Ukraine, as such actions are serious violations of international humanitarian law.
On May 25, the Russian Federation called on the United States to evacuate its embassy from Kyiv and announced intentions to carry out systematic strikes on the capital. Similar warnings were received by other states with diplomatic representations in Ukraine.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern regarding these statements and emphasized that it is especially important now to avoid further escalation of the conflict, which has already caused serious suffering to the civilian population and distances the prospect of peace.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that, according to Ukrainian assessments, the level of security threats from Russia to Kyiv and other cities has remained stable over the past years and months. The Ministry emphasized that Russia’s new threats are “nothing more than shameless blackmail” and assured readiness to facilitate additional security measures for foreign diplomatic missions that make appropriate requests.