EU Rejects Russia's Threats to Diplomats in Kyiv, Vows to Keep Mission Open

EU Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand stated on October 4 that the European Union's mission in Kyiv continues to operate as normal, dismissing Russia's latest threats to foreign diplomats remaining in the Ukrainian capital.

EU Statement

Wigand was responding to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement from October 3, in which Moscow again urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv and warned that those who ignore the warning bear personal responsibility for any negative consequences, as Russian forces will continue striking Ukrainian cities.

This is not the first time Russia has resorted to such threats. It shows that the Kremlin is losing its war and its nerve. Moscow is trying to intimidate Europe into withdrawing its support for Ukraine. This will not happen, Wigand said.

Largest Sanctions Package in History

The spokesperson noted that the EU is preparing what will be the largest sanctions package against Russia in its history. That same week, new restrictions were already imposed over Russia's deportation of Ukrainian children.

The EU has approved defence procurement plans for Ukraine worth 28.3 billion euros for this year and is providing an additional 6.6 billion euros in direct military aid. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is prepared to take greater risks but that the EU is also ramping up pressure to make Russia pay an even higher price.

Background

Just before Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, several European countries evacuated their embassies from Kyiv. On October 2, The Guardian reported that some Western embassies were quietly preparing contingency evacuation plans to Lviv or eastern Poland amid intensifying Russian strikes, despite public statements of intent to stay. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry later said no foreign partners had informed Kyiv of any plans to relocate their missions.