Russian Foreign Ministry threatens "retaliatory strike" on Kyiv "decision-making centres" on 9 May

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has urged diplomats to evacuate from Kyiv ahead of a Russian "retaliatory strike on decision-making centres".

Source: Russian media citing Zakharova on social media

Details: Zakharova said that "if Kyiv carries out its criminal plans during the Victory Day celebrations, strikes will be launched, including on decision-making centres".

Quote: "The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the authorities of your country/the leadership of your organisation to treat this statement with the utmost responsibility and ensure the advance evacuation of staff of diplomatic and other missions, as well as [your] citizens, from the city of Kyiv due to the inevitability of a retaliatory strike on Kyiv, including on decision-making centres, by Russian Armed Forces in the event that the Kyiv regime carries out its criminal terrorist intentions during the days marking the Great Victory."

Background:

• On 4 May, Russia's Ministry of Defence unilaterally declared a "truce" for 8 and 9 May after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian drones could appear over Red Square in Moscow during the Victory Day parade. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May – ed.]
• Zelenskyy responded by announcing a ceasefire starting from 00:00 on the night of 5-6 May.

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