Belgium, France Summon Russian Envoys Over Kyiv Strike Threat as EU Weighs Talks in War’s 5th Year
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 27
Belgium, France Summon Russian Envoys Over Kyiv Strike Threat as EU Weighs Talks in War’s 5th Year
12 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 27
Belgium and France on Wednesday summoned Russia’s ambassadors, calling Moscow’s warning for foreigners to leave Kyiv before planned “systematic strikes” unacceptable and a breach of international law.
Monday’s Russian defence statement said strikes would target defence industrial facilities scattered across Kyiv and told diplomats and other foreign nationals to leave the city as soon as possible.
Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the EU had already summoned Russian envoys a day earlier, while Belgium said it would keep its embassy in Kyiv and “will not be intimidated.”
The threat followed a weekend barrage in which Russia fired 30 ballistic missiles at Ukraine and only 11 were intercepted, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ask Donald Trump for Patriot systems and interceptors.
The diplomatic clash complicates emerging discussion over an EU role in peace talks after Washington stepped back, even as Putin said he is open to negotiations with Europe and EU foreign ministers prepare to discuss options on Thursday.
With the US distracted by Iran, can Europe alone stop Russia from escalating its war in Ukraine?
As Russia threatens Kyiv, is the Vienna Convention now just a paper shield for diplomats?
Europe Defies Russian Threats: Unified Diplomatic Stand Amid Escalating Missile Strikes on Kyiv, May–June 2026
Overview
In late May 2026, Russia warned foreign nationals to leave Kyiv, claiming it was preparing more missile and drone strikes in response to a deadly incident in Starobilsk. This warning was dismissed by the United States and European countries, who instead launched a coordinated diplomatic protest. European Union capitals, including Belgium and France, demanded explanations from Moscow and summoned Russian ambassadors, showing a unified stance. Despite Russia’s threats, the EU refused to withdraw its diplomats from Kyiv, highlighting strong support for Ukraine and a clear rejection of Russia’s intimidation tactics. This response reinforced Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.