EU states summon Russian envoys over Kyiv threat

Belgium and France have summoned Russia’s ambassadors to express anger after Moscow urged foreigners to leave Kyiv in advance of planned “systematic strikes”. Brussels and Paris said on Wednesday that Russia’s announcement earlier in the week was “unacceptable” and a violation of international law. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list The pair are the latest of several European Union capitals to demand an explanation. The spat is unlikely to help smooth the way for the EU to mediate talks to bring the conflict to an end, an arrangement that Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he is ready to accept. Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the European Union summoned Russian envoys on Tuesday following Moscow’s warning that foreigners and diplomats should leave the Ukrainian capital before the onset of renewed air strikes . “Threatening embassies is not diplomacy, it is intimidation. And it is a flagrant violation of international law and the Vienna Convention,” Belgium Foreign Minister Maxim Prevot said on Wednesday. “Belgium is not going anywhere. We are staying in Kyiv. We are standing with Ukraine. And we will not be intimidated,” he said, adding that Russia is the sole aggressor in the Ukraine conflict, and urging Moscow to engage in “genuine” peace talks. France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, said in a statement that Russia’s actions demonstrate its cynicism and contempt for international law. …