Russian Foreign Ministry Summons Armenian Envoy After Zelenskiy’s War Commemoration Comments
Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Zelenskiy’s Comments in Armenia
Background of the Incident
MOSCOW, May 7 (Reuters) - The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it summoned the Armenian ambassador over what it described as "terrorist threats against Russia" voiced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a visit to Armenia.
Details of the Ministry Statement
Accusations Against Armenia and Ukraine
A ministry statement said the ambassador was told it was "absolutely inadmissible" to provide the means, during an EU-sponsored gathering on Monday for "the ringleader of the Kyiv Nazi regime, V. Zelenskiy, to voice terrorist threats against Russia" in connection with Russia's Victory Day commemorations.
Moscow’s Reaction
The statement said there was "justified indignation" in Moscow over Zelenskiy's "outrageous behaviour" and the absence of Armenian criticism.
Russian Military’s Response
Threats of Retaliatory Action
Russia's Defence Ministry had earlier responded to what it saw as threats by Zelenskiy by saying Moscow's military would launch a retaliatory strike against Kyiv if Ukraine disrupted ceremonies marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Foreign Ministry’s Warning to Diplomats
Statement by Maria Zakharova
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova doubled down on that statement, telling diplomatic missions to take Moscow's warnings seriously and evacuate their staff in good time.
Zelenskiy’s Comments in Armenia
In his comments in Armenia, Zelenskiy noted that Moscow had said its commemorative parade would proceed without displays of military hardware, adding: "It will be the first time in many, many years they cannot afford military equipment and they fear drones may buzz over Red Square. This is telling."
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
