Russia issues evacuation note to foreign diplomats in Kyiv

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday issued an evacuation note to all foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv, citing an earlier warning that any attempt to disrupt Victory Day celebrations would trigger a "massive missile strike" on the Ukrainian capital.

On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry declared a unilateral ceasefire over two days on May 8 and 9 while marking the 81st anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the same day that Ukraine would observe a ceasefire beginning Wednesday at midnight.

Later on Wednesday, Zelensky said that Russia continued its military operations with attacks on seven regions and warned that Kyiv will respond in kind.

"Russia has not stopped any of its military activity. Unfortunately, it has not ceased. Ukraine will respond in a reciprocal manner," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. He emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to working for peace and seeks to end the conflict with dignity.

Victory Day, held annually on May 9 to mark the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, is one of Russia's most important national holidays. The Kremlin said in late April that a military parade would still be held in Red Square without military equipment because of security concerns.

(With input from Xinhua)