Diplomats from the American embassy allegedly departed from Kyiv on the night of May 24, prior to the Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital. The relevant statement was made by Dmytro Lytvyn, a communications advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We heard that American diplomats left Kyiv before the attack on Sunday night. In any case, Ukraine is grateful to all the embassies that continue to operate in Kyiv," Lytvyn stated. He described the situation as "strange," noting that Ukraine should not be called upon to interpret the statements of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The US labeled Kallas' statements as false
After Russia's warning of impending strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kallas claimed that the US embassy had abandoned Kyiv. At the same time, she emphasized that all other diplomatic missions remained in the Ukrainian capital. However, the American embassy later denied her statements, underscoring that the US diplomatic mission in Kyiv continues to operate normally. "There are no changes to our operations and any reports to the contrary are false. The safety of American citizens is the highest priority for the State Department," the embassy reported. Simultaneously, the American diplomatic mission reiterated that American citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing armed conflict.
Russia requested the withdrawal of the American embassy from Kyiv
During a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the need for the evacuation of the American embassy in Kyiv. According to Moscow, the Russian side expected a "responsible reaction" from Washington. Lavrov also reportedly explained to Rubio the reasons that led Russia to the decision to strike targets in Kyiv. On May 25, Moscow announced strikes against "decision-making centers" in Ukraine. The Russian diplomatic mission called on foreign citizens, including diplomatic mission personnel and representatives of international organizations, to leave Kyiv as soon as possible. At the same time, residents of the Ukrainian capital were urged to stay away from military and administrative infrastructure.
Moscow links strikes to the attack in Starobilsk
The Russian side linked the decision to the attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces on a university campus and dormitory in Starobilsk, in the Lugansk People's Republic. According to Moscow, the drone attacks occurred on the night of May 22, resulting in the death of 21 people and injuring another 44. "This was the straw that broke the camel's back. Under these conditions, the Russian armed forces are systematically launching strikes against facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex in Kyiv. The strikes will target both decision-making centers and administrative points," the Russian Foreign Ministry reported. On May 24, Russia launched strikes against Ukraine, which it presented as retaliation for the attack in Starobilsk. Explosions were heard in Kyiv throughout the night, amid reports of the use of an Oreshnik missile.
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