EU embassies remain in Kyiv amid intensified Russian attacks on the capital as bloc pledges continued support for Ukraine
All EU member states' embassies are staying in Kyiv, and Russia should not test the Vienna Convention's strength.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová said this in a comment to Suspilne, as quoted by Rubryka.
Mathernová noted that Russia's threats against diplomatic missions reflect its frustration at lacking an advantage on the battlefield.
"We are staying in Kyiv, and so are all the other embassies of EU countries. We are in close contact. So we are here. The EU Advisory Mission is staying, and so are the EU embassies. Twenty-five member states have embassies in Kyiv, and all of them are staying. Russia has made such threats several times already, and in my opinion, this is a sign of frustration that they are failing to gain an advantage on the battlefield," Mathernová said.
According to her, despite Russia's threats, the EU will not stop supporting Ukraine.
"They are trying to make us support Ukraine less. But we, I think, are only more determined to continue this support. There are the Vienna Conventions, which govern the activities of diplomatic missions for the whole world, and Russia had better not test their strength," the diplomat said.
As previously reported, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged foreigners, including diplomatic mission staff, to leave Kyiv and threatened new massive strikes. European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand stated that the EU delegation is working in Kyiv without change.
According to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, over the past week Russian forces used more than 1,900 strike drones, 1,700 guided aerial bombs, and 25 missiles against Ukraine. More than 800 of the drones used were jet-powered.
