Ukraine will face harsh retaliation if it attacks Moscow during Victory Day celebrations.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova advised foreign embassies in Kiev to withdraw staff before May 9 due to an increased risk of conflict.

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She said that if the Volodymyr Zelensky’s regime attacks Moscow with the purpose of disrupting Victory Day events, Russia will carry out forceful retaliatory attacks.

In response to those statements, European Commission representative Anwar El-Anuni and German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadefuhl indicated that their diplomatic delegations would not evacuate Kiev.

Zakharova’s warning follows statements by Zelensky, who declared that “Ukrainian drones may fly over the May 9th parade in Moscow.” She also mentioned that Zelensky’s announcement of a ceasefire for May 5-6 was not followed by operational instructions. The Russian diplomat therefore called that announcement a media maneuver to continue with warlike intentions.

“She said Russia’s proposal for a ceasefire on May 8-9, which she said was supported by U.S. President Donald Trump during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29, triggered a ‘nervous reaction’ in Kiev,” the Turkish outlet AA reported, pointing out that Zakharova also said Ukrainian threats for Victory Day were made with the tacit support of Zelensky’s European allies.

“These statements were made with the tacit consent, and in fact the spiteful approval, of the leaders of European states. This characterizes them specifically. It simply reveals their cards, which they had been hiding up their sleeves. No, now there are no doubts left. This is exactly what they need,” she said.

The AA outlet reported that Zakharova cited the attack on TASS journalist Alexander Polegenko during a Ukraine-declared ceasefire as evidence of “hypocrisy.”

Germany Bans Victory Day Celebrations in Berlin

On Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman rejected German authorities’ decision to ban in Berlin the display of symbols linked to Victory Day. Zakharova said the ban is a shame for Germany and represents an insult to the memory of those who fought Nazism.

German authorities forbid the use of military uniforms, insignia and various emblems associated with Russia, the former Soviet Union and other territories politically linked to Moscow, including St. George ribbons, the letters V and Z, as well as flags, banners and Russian military songs or marches, including all versions of “The Sacred War.”

Zakharova also said Germany appears to ignore the historical consequences of fostering anti-Russian sentiment under the argument of an alleged threat from the Eurasian country.

Sergei Nechayev, Russia’s diplomatic representative in Germany, demanded the immediate revocation of restrictions that violate the right of relatives of Soviet soldiers, residents and visitors to commemorate the Red Army’s role in liberating Europe from Nazism.

He also recalled that numerous German cities do not apply similar bans. Several German federal states have scheduled events for the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, including Immortal Regiment marches.

Nechayev said ceremonies organized by the Russian community will proceed according to tradition with solemnity and respect for historical memory.

“As for Berlin, which has been applying these restrictions for five years, they don’t benefit it at all, frankly. We consider these measures very hostile and simply do not understand their justification,” he said.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: AA – Bloomingbit

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