Diplomatic Summons and Warnings… Europe Responds to Russian Escalation in Ukraine
New Russian threats targeting the Ukrainian capital Kyiv have heightened Western fears that civilians and diplomatic missions could be affected, prompting France and several other European countries to intensify diplomatic pressure on Moscow.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the summoning of the Russian ambassador in Paris at the request of the French Foreign Minister, in protest against what it described as “unacceptable threats” targeting Ukrainian civilians and foreign diplomats.
A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry stated that the intensive Russian strikes carried out against Ukraine at the end of last week, along with the recent threats, demonstrate “Russia’s continued disregard for international law.”
Paris also condemned what it described as “Moscow’s intimidation,” considering it a reflection of the “military deadlock” Russia is facing in Ukraine.
Moscow Calls on Foreigners to Leave Kyiv
On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry called on foreigners residing in Kyiv, including diplomatic staff, to leave the Ukrainian capital in anticipation of further strikes.
Russia also threatened to intensify its attacks in response to a Ukrainian strike that it claimed killed 21 people at a school located in an area under its control.
Broad European Moves
The European Union announced the summoning of the Russian chargé d’affaires in Brussels to protest what it described as an “unacceptable escalation.”
European Union spokesperson Anita Hipper stated that the EU mission would continue its work in Kyiv despite the Russian threats.
Germany also summoned the Russian ambassador, affirming that it “will not yield to intimidation” and will continue supporting Ukraine.
For its part, Norway summoned Russia’s representative in Oslo in protest against the threats directed at the Ukrainian capital.
Zelensky Requests Patriot Systems
Amid this escalation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked U.S. President Donald Trump to provide his country with additional Patriot PAC-3 air defense missiles to confront the escalating Russian attacks.
The request came in a letter reviewed by Agence France-Presse following a major Russian assault in which Moscow used approximately 600 drones, 35 ballistic missiles, and 50 cruise missiles, in one of the most violent attacks since the beginning of the war.
In his letter, Zelensky said that Ukraine needs “this vital tool to protect itself from Russian terrorism.”
An official from the Ukrainian presidency acknowledged that securing ammunition for advanced air defense systems has become “complicated” due to rising global demand.
The official also pointed to a “slowdown in deliveries” under the U.S. weapons procurement mechanism for Kyiv, explaining that the war in the Middle East has worsened the shortage crisis of air defense ammunition facing Ukraine.
