The European Union summoned Russia's charge d'affaires to the EU on Tuesday, 26 May, after Moscow warned of further strikes on Kyiv and called on foreign nationals and diplomats to evacuate the Ukrainian capital. European Commission foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper confirmed the summoning at a daily press briefing, describing Russia's remarks as 'unacceptable.'

Russia's Warning and Its Trigger

Russia's Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that Russian armed forces were conducting 'consistent and systematic strikes' on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities in Kyiv, citing a Ukrainian drone attack on Starobelsk in the Luhansk region as the immediate provocation. According to Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova, the Starobelsk attack struck a college, killing 21 people and injuring more than 60 others. At the time of impact, 86 children aged 14 to 18 were reportedly present at the facility.

Moscow Urges Evacuation of Kyiv

Russia's Foreign Ministry also urged all foreign citizens — including diplomatic personnel and staff of international organisations — to leave Kyiv 'as soon as possible.' Local residents were advised to avoid military and administrative infrastructure in the capital. The Russian Defence Ministry separately stated on Sunday that its strikes had targeted Ukraine's defence industry, military infrastructure, and command posts of the General Command of the Ukrainian Ground Forces and the Main Directorate of Intelligence. It asserted: 'No strikes were planned or carried out against the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine.'

EU's Response: Presence Maintained, Pressure to Increase

Spokesperson Hipper was unequivocal that the EU would maintain its presence and operations in Kyiv despite Moscow's warnings. 'What we will do on our side is to continue our support to Ukraine, which needs air defence and further financial support,' she said. EU foreign ministers are set to hold an informal meeting in Cyprus in the coming days, where increasing international pressure on Russia is expected to be a central agenda item.

Norway Also Summons Russian Ambassador

In a parallel move on the same day, Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolay Viktorovich Korchunov for talks. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement: 'We summoned the ambassador to protest the threats against foreign personnel in Ukraine made by Russia in recent days.' The coordinated diplomatic pushback from both the EU and Norway signals a hardening of European resolve against Moscow's escalatory posture.

What Comes Next

With EU foreign ministers convening informally in Cyprus shortly, the bloc is expected to explore additional measures — including expanded sanctions and accelerated air defence deliveries — to counter Russia's renewed pressure campaign. The situation remains volatile, and further diplomatic fallout cannot be ruled out if strikes on Kyiv intensify.