Australian embassy in Kyiv on high alert after Kremlin evacuation warning

The Australian embassy in Kyiv has been placed on high alert after the Kremlin warned staff to evacuate ahead of possible "massive missile strikes" this weekend.

The warning was issued to a number of embassies in the Ukrainian capital, according to the supplied report, and came as Moscow prepared for its annual Victory Day parade on 9 May.

The alert follows Russian threats of retaliation if Ukraine breached a US-sanctioned ceasefire announced to protect the parade.

The report says the parade is being scaled back this year and security in Moscow has been increased.

The development matters because it raises concern for diplomatic missions in Kyiv at a time of heightened tension between Russia and Ukraine.

It also comes as both sides have signalled increased military pressure around the Victory Day period.

The parade in Moscow marks the end of World War Two and has remained a major state event under President Vladimir Putin, even after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Rehearsals for the event have been taking place in Moscow this week, and the report says there will be no military equipment or vehicles on display this year.

It also says there will be far fewer troops taking part than last year, and only three world leaders are expected to attend, compared with 20 in 2025.

The report links the tighter security in Moscow to increased Ukrainian drone attacks across Russia, while also noting that Ukraine's long-range missile strikes on Russian territory have added to Kremlin concerns.

What remains unclear is whether any specific strike threat has been identified for Kyiv, or whether the evacuation warning will lead to further changes at embassies in the city.

The immediate focus remains on the period around the Victory Day parade and any response from Ukraine or foreign missions.

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