EU and Allies Summon Russian Diplomats Over Kyiv Threat
Russia told diplomats and foreign citizens to leave Kyiv. Russia warned it planned new strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
Between May 25 and May 26 Russia fired more than 100 drones and two missiles at Ukraine. The EU, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands all summoned Russian diplomats to protest.
Summoning a diplomat is a formal way to show anger at another country. EU foreign policy spokesperson Anitta Hipper called the threat an unacceptable escalation.
The EU said it is staying in Kyiv despite the warning. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Russia's threats shameless blackmail.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov also asked the US to remove its Kyiv embassy staff. He raised this during a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Klear Note — Russia and Ukraine have been at war since 2022. Summoning diplomats is a formal protest showing a country's anger. Kyiv is Ukraine's capital city.
Key Terms 4
- summoned Formally called in to receive an official complaint or protest
- diplomats Official representatives sent by one country to live in another
- escalation When a situation becomes more serious or dangerous
- ballistic missiles Powerful long-range weapons that travel at very high speed