The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, urged Russia to refrain from using the Kremlin drone incident as a pretext for widening the Ukraine conflict. In the days following the May 3 event, officials emphasized a measured response and warned against any move that could escalate hostilities further. The message from Brussels came as EU ministers prepared for the next development council session, underscoring the bloc’s preference for diplomacy, restraint, and adherence to international law in the face of new tensions.
Borrell stressed that the EU would not tolerate any attempt to justify a broader confrontation. He called on Moscow to avoid actions that would fuel instability or provoke retaliatory measures, stating that escalation would only deepen the war’s human costs and complicate any path toward a peaceful resolution. The remarks reflected a broader EU stance that seeks to deter violence while keeping channels open for dialogue and joint action with allies.
Separately, a high-level UN address echoed the same appeal for de-escalation. An official pointed to the dangers of turning isolated incidents into a broader confrontation, noting that such moves could threaten regional stability and complicate humanitarian relief efforts for civilians caught in the fighting. The message was clear: restraint is essential, and the UN would continue to monitor developments with a focus on protecting civilians and upholding international norms.
Earlier, Kremlin briefings claimed that Ukrainian drones had attempted to strike the personal residence of President Vladimir Putin inside the Kremlin complex, with the devices reportedly neutralized before reaching their target. Russian authorities described the incident as another act of terrorism and warned that Moscow reserves the right to respond wherever and whenever it deems appropriate. The claim added to a sequence of events that have kept Western capitals wary about the potential for miscalculation on the ground.
Officials from Moscow asserted that the attackers posed a direct threat to state security and to the stability of the region. In response, Russia signaled its readiness to take measures with far-reaching consequences, arguing that deterrence and swift retaliation are fundamental to protecting national sovereignty. The assertion amplified concerns among allies about how best to counter and deter such threats without triggering a larger conflict.
In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, reiterating that Kyiv had not launched an assault on the Russian leadership or Moscow itself. The president framed the events as part of a broader battle for sovereignty and security in Ukraine, stressing that Kyiv remains committed to defending its territory while pursuing a political solution internationally. Zelensky’s remarks underscored a determination to avoid unnecessary provocations, even as Ukraine coordinates with partners to respond to aggression and secure international backing for its defense and reconstruction efforts.