MOSCOW/KYIV – The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday it had sent a note to all foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited with the ministry, urging them to ensure the evacuation of personnel from Kyiv.

According to a statement, the note referenced a warning on Monday by the Russian Defense Ministry about threats from the Ukrainian authorities to carry out attacks on Moscow during Victory Day celebrations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on governments and organizations to take the warning with maximum responsibility and ensure the timely evacuation of their staff and citizens from Kyiv, given the "inevitability of a retaliatory strike" by the Russian forces against Kyiv if Ukraine interrupts the celebrations.

The ministry said Russian diplomatic missions abroad were also informing the countries of accreditation and international organizations of the situation.

On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry warned that any attempts to disrupt the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War would trigger a "massive missile strike" on central Kyiv.

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Victory Day, observed annually on May 9 to mark the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, is one of Russia's most important national holidays. The Kremlin said in late April that a military parade would still be held in Red Square without military equipment because of security concerns.

Russia accused of ignoring ceasefire proposal

In another development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia continues its military operations despite Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire and warned that Kyiv will respond in kind.

"Russia has not stopped any of its military activity. Unfortunately, it has not ceased. Ukraine will respond in a reciprocal manner," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

He noted that Russia attacked seven Ukrainian regions on Wednesday despite a Kyiv-proposed ceasefire that took effect at midnight.

"Depending on the situation tonight and tomorrow, we will also decide on our fully fair response," Zelensky said.

He emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to working for peace and seeks to end the conflict with dignity.

On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire with Ukraine from Friday to Saturday.

READ MORE: Kremlin: Russia seeking to achieve goals in Ukraine through peace deal

Also on Monday, Zelensky said Ukraine would implement a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday.