Kremlin tells Australia to evacuate its Kyiv embassy amid 9 May parade tensions
Russia's foreign ministry asked Australia to temporarily vacate its Kyiv embassy ahead of the 9 May parade. Australia's foreign minister called the warning a 'baseless threat'. The embassy continues to operate.
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a briefing there were 'intelligence signals that Kyiv may be preparing a dangerous provocation' and proposed evacuation 'for the safety of all foreign diplomats'. Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom said they had received similar messages.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the message 'a crude attempt at intimidation' and said embassy staff would remain in place. Wong added that Australia would maintain its military aid commitments to Ukraine.
The warning came on the same day Putin held a scaled-back 9 May parade in Moscow. Although not a NATO member, Australia is a close partner and has so far provided around 1.5 billion Australian dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
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