Several European Union capitals have summoned Russian ambassadors to express anger over Moscow's warning to foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv in anticipation of "systematic strikes." Belgium and France announced on Wednesday that they had summoned Russia's envoys, labeling the warning "unacceptable" and a breach of international law.

These actions follow similar summons by Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and the European Union itself on Tuesday. The Russian Ministry of Defence had issued a statement on Monday indicating plans for "a series of systematic strikes" on defence industrial facilities in Kyiv. Moscow claimed these strikes would be in retaliation for a recent Ukrainian drone attack that hit a student dormitory in Starobilsk, Luhansk.

Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxim Prevot stated that threatening embassies constitutes intimidation rather than diplomacy and is a "flagrant violation of international law and the Vienna Convention." He emphasized Belgium's commitment to remaining in Kyiv and standing with Ukraine, urging Russia to engage in "genuine" peace talks.

France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs echoed these sentiments, describing Russia's actions as demonstrating "cynicism and contempt for international law." The ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador to France following the "massive airstrikes" over the weekend and the "unacceptable threats against Ukrainian civilians and foreign diplomats."

The spat comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness on Wednesday to the EU mediating talks for a ceasefire. However, the current diplomatic friction is unlikely to facilitate such mediation efforts.

Russia's defence ministry statement noted that the targeted facilities are "scattered throughout Kyiv." The warning advised "foreign citizens, including personnel of diplomatic missions and international organizations" to depart the Ukrainian capital ahead of the planned strikes.

The EU's summoning of the Russian envoy was reportedly in response to the direct threat against diplomatic missions, underscoring the seriousness with which European capitals view the warning.

This escalation in rhetoric and diplomatic action highlights the ongoing tensions and the fragile state of international relations amidst the conflict in Ukraine, with European nations standing firm against perceived violations of international norms.