EU and Member States Summon Russian Envoys After Moscow Orders Diplomats to Leave Kyiv

EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper denounced Russia's threats as an 'unacceptable escalation' in a statement reported by Al Jazeera. The EU and member states summoned Russian envoys in Kyiv, according to The Straits Times and Deutsche Welle. Russia had previously urged diplomats in Kyiv to leave ahead of potential strikes on the Ukrainian capital, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. The UN secretary-general also criticized Russia during a session on global conflicts, per Deutsche Welle. EU diplomats, including those from Germany, stated they would remain in Kyiv despite the Russian warning, as reported by Ukrinform. The EU's stance was reinforced by the fact that multiple sources confirmed the diplomatic response, with no divergence in the core facts. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the EU and Russia, with Kyiv at the center of the diplomatic confrontation. The event underscores the high stakes of diplomatic relations in the region, with the EU and its allies standing firm against Russian pressure. The immediate consequence was the formal summoning of Russian envoys, signaling a strong diplomatic response to the threat.