Kyiv residents and diplomats dismiss Moscow’s strike threats as war grinds on

Kyiv, Ukraine. Residents of Kyiv and foreign embassies have largely dismissed Moscow’s threat of heavy strikes on the Ukrainian capital as another attempt to sow panic after years of war. Russia said on Monday it intended to launch “systematic strikes” on targets in Kyiv and urged foreigners and diplomats to leave.

Residents remain defiant

Despite one of the heaviest bombardments of the capital two days earlier, residents interviewed by Reuters said they intended to stay in the city and continue with their lives. “I think that those threats are manipulation more aimed at sowing panic among the public,” said Oleksandr Korzh, a 43-year-old former serviceman. “I will stay in Ukraine, and I will stay in Kyiv.”

Embassies reject pressure

Several diplomatic missions in Kyiv also showed no sign of leaving after Russia urged them to depart. The European Union’s ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, described the Russian threats as “a masterpiece of hypocrisy.”

Diplomatic protests and international concern

The Netherlands, Germany and Norway summoned Russian diplomats over the attacks on Kyiv and the threats directed at envoys. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, mocked the EU’s decision to remain in the city in a post on X.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the Russian threats.