An unexpected scandal has erupted in diplomatic circles, triggered by an inaccurate statement from the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. During a briefing prior to a ministers' meeting in Cyprus, she claimed that amidst Russian threats against Kyiv, the US embassy had left the Ukrainian capital. However, this information was immediately refuted by the Ukrainian side and the US embassy itself.
Error on Air: What Kallas Said
Discussing the escalation of terrorist attacks by Russia aimed at instilling fear in society, Kallas attempted to highlight the resilience of diplomats. According to her, almost all embassies remained in Kyiv, demonstrating courage, but she erroneously noted that the American diplomatic mission had departed. "All Europeans stayed, America left," Ukrainian media quoted the head of EU diplomacy as saying.
Instant Reaction from Kyiv and Washington
Kallas's words sparked a storm of outrage and bewilderment in Kyiv. A representative of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Georgiy Tikhyy, officially stated that the information about the US embassy leaving does not correspond to reality. Advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Dmytro Litvin, called the situation strange, noting that Ukraine should not interpret the words of the head of EU diplomacy regarding a strategic partner.
The US Embassy in Ukraine promptly issued a statement emphasizing that the diplomatic mission is operating normally. The document states that any reports to the contrary are false, and the safety of US citizens remains a priority for the State Department.
Correction in Brussels
After the fact of refutation became public knowledge, a correction was made on the website of the EU diplomatic service. In the updated text of the statement, the mention of the Americans leaving was removed. The wording now reads: "All Europeans stayed," with a note about an update regarding diplomatic presence in Kyiv.
Political Context
This incident occurred against the backdrop of harsh threats from Moscow regarding strikes on Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha previously thanked his EU colleagues for not succumbing to intimidation. Warsaw also stood up for Kyiv, summoning the Russian ambassador and stating that the goals of the "special operation" must be exclusively military. Kallas's error, although corrected, could have been perceived as a signal of possible weakening of support, which is unacceptable under current conditions.
