
The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned European leaders that visits to Kiev expose them to “a mortal danger.” The warning comes as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was in Ukraine, and Moscow appears to be toughening its rhetoric on European support for Kiev.
According to Moscow's new message, this approach no longer applies equally to Europeans. Russian media linked the recent attacks in Kiev to Merz's arrival, while figures close to the Kremlin declared that Russia is no longer holding back when foreign delegations are in Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova used particularly harsh language towards European leaders. Meanwhile, Russian Senator Grigory Karasin said the warning was not a threat but an "advice" to think about personal safety.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia will continue fighting in Donetsk, insisting that Moscow considers the territory part of the Russian Federation. He also said that, in the absence of opportunities for agreement, war remains the way through which Russia intends to achieve its objectives.
The Russian strategy is being developed on three levels: military pressure on the front, attacks on Ukrainian cities, energy and infrastructure, as well as psychological pressure on Kiev's European supporters.
Merz's visit and German aid packages for Ukraine are seen by Moscow as an opportunity to increase the political cost of Kiev's support in Europe.