Mercuris Says Russia’s Kiev Warning Is Not Ultimatum
Alexander Mercuris says Russia’s warning on Kiev strikes is not an ultimatum, as Moscow signals tougher responses to attacks on civilians.
British analyst Alexander Mercuris says the Russian Foreign Ministry’s warning about continued retaliatory strikes on Kiev should not be viewed as an ultimatum, but as a direct statement of Moscow’s next steps.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mercuris said some observers had interpreted the message as an ultimatum, but he argued that it was instead a declaration of intent.
According to the analyst, those to whom the signal was addressed should take it with the utmost seriousness. He said Moscow’s response would become much tougher following terrorist attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Russian civilian facilities.
Mercuris added that diplomats, foreign citizens and residents of Kiev had not been given an ultimatum, but had been warned about what could happen next.
On May 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that, in response to Ukrainian attacks on civilians, the Russian army would consistently strike Ukrainian decision-making centers. The ministry noted that such facilities are located in Kiev and urged diplomats and staff of international organizations to leave the city as soon as possible. Kiev residents were also advised to stay away from military and administrative infrastructure.