Mercouris: Russian Foreign Ministry statement on strikes against Kyiv is a “declaration of intent,” not an ultimatum

British military analyst Alexander Mercouris has said that the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement about strikes on Kyiv should not be regarded as an ultimatum.

He expressed his view on his own YouTube channel.

“Some are saying this is an ultimatum. It is not an ultimatum, but a declaration of intent,” — Mercouris said.

According to the analyst, all those to whom the statement is addressed should take it with full seriousness and be aware that Russia’s response to Ukrainian strikes will now be far more severe.

The comment was prompted by a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry dated May 25. According to the ministry, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, acting on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, notified U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a phone call that Russia’s Armed Forces were preparing systematic strikes against Ukrainian Armed Forces facilities in Kyiv, as well as against Ukrainian decision-making centers.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov said what kind of U.S. reaction to the strikes on Kyiv would suit the Russian side.