U.S. denies report diplomats left Kyiv as Zelenskyy seeks air defense
The United States has reiterated that its diplomats remain in Kyiv, dismissing a suggestion from the European Union’s top diplomat that Washington evacuated the Ukrainian capital amid escalating Russian threats. The response came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote a rare letter to President Donald Trump and Congress requesting more air defense missiles. Russia had urged foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv earlier this week, vowing further strikes after one of the most intense bombardments since 2022. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters that “America left” while European embassies stayed, but the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv swiftly denied any change in operations. The official transcript of Kallas’ comments was later amended with a correction, and her spokesperson called it a misunderstanding. Zelenskyy’s letter, delivered to Washington on Tuesday, specifically requested Patriot PAC-3 missiles and other systems, warning that deliveries are falling short as the Iran war diverts U.S. stocks. There has been no immediate comment from the United States on the letter.
What’s reported
The U.S. reiterated on Thursday that its diplomats remain in Kyiv despite Russia’s escalating threats.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said “America left” while all European embassies stayed.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv denied the claim, stating “there are no changes to our operations.”
The official transcript of Kallas’ comments was amended with a correction; her spokesperson said it was a misunderstanding.
Zelenskyy wrote a rare letter to President Trump and Congress asking for more Patriot PAC-3 missiles and other air defense systems.
The letter warned that deliveries to Ukraine are falling short due to the Iran war diverting U.S. stocks.
The letter was delivered to Washington on Tuesday; there was no immediate U.S. comment.
Ukraine’s drone interception rate has risen above 90%, per the letter, and Ukrainian specialists have helped Middle Eastern countries and U.S. bases with air defense.
Conflicting accounts
Kaja Kallas stated that the U.S. had left Kyiv, while the U.S. Embassy denied any change to operations. Ukraine also denied the evacuation claim. The official transcript of Kallas’ comments was subsequently amended with a correction, and her spokesperson described it as a misunderstanding.
Key figures
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President
Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief
Anne Keast-Butler, head of British intelligence agency GCHQ (mentioned in article but not central to main story)
Anitta Hipper, spokesperson for Kaja Kallas
Sources: NBC News
