Irish diplomats remain in Kyiv despite Russian threats of strikes

Irish diplomats have vowed to remain in Kyiv despite warnings from Russia about escalated large scale retaliatory strikes on the Ukrainian capital, according to The Journal. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued warnings on its website, Telegram channel, and social media accounts directing foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel to refrain from staying in or travelling to Ukraine, stating that responsibility for adverse consequences lies entirely with those who ignore the warning. [1]

European embassies responded by stating that they intend to stay in the city, The Journal reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, foreign embassies had not planned to evacuate after the initial Russian Foreign Ministry warnings urged foreign diplomats and citizens to leave. [1][14]

The Russian warnings come as Moscow increases attacks on infrastructure in the capital, according to Politico and NPR. The BBC, Irish Examiner, and NPR reported that jet-powered drones and strikes targeted key bridges in Kyiv, including the Pivnichnyi Bridge and the Pivdennyi Bridge, over several consecutive days. [2][3][4][7][8]

The latest wave of Russian strikes occurred as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv to promise additional military support, according to the BBC, DW, and The Irish Times. [3][5][6][7][8]