EU Retracts False Claim US Embassy Left Kyiv as Preplanned May 24 Trip Fueled Confusion
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · May 28
EU Retracts False Claim US Embassy Left Kyiv as Preplanned May 24 Trip Fueled Confusion
12 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · May 28
Brussels withdrew Kaja Kallas' statement that the U.S. embassy had evacuated Kyiv, after Washington said the mission stayed open and no staff pullout was planned.
A May 24 trip by U.S. Charge d'Affaires Julie Davis to Lviv appears to have been misread as an evacuation after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha relayed that Americans had left Kyiv.
The confusion followed Sergey Lavrov's May 25 warning to Marco Rubio that Russia planned strikes on Kyiv's 'decision-making centers' and that diplomats should leave the city.
Those threats came days after one of Russia's largest missile-and-drone attacks on Kyiv killed 2 people and injured more than 80, underscoring strains and miscommunication among Kyiv, Brussels and Washington.
What message does the U.S. send by defying direct Russian missile warnings in Kyiv?
Is America's new 'resource-for-security' deal changing its fundamental commitment to Ukraine?
As Ukraine builds its own drone army, how will its security reliance on the United States change?
90 Missiles, Zero Retreat: How Kyiv and Its Allies Defied Russia’s May 2026 Threats to Diplomats
Overview
In late May 2026, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, signaling a new phase of escalation and openly threatening further strikes on Ukrainian defense sites and decision-making centers. This prompted deep concern from the UN Secretary-General and raised fears about the safety of diplomatic missions in the city. Despite reports of some American diplomats possibly leaving during the attack, the U.S. Embassy remained open and reaffirmed its commitment to Kyiv. The international community, including nearly 50 UN member states, condemned Russia’s threats, showing strong solidarity with Ukraine and refusing to be intimidated by Russian aggression.