Tirana issues official verbal note to Russia over attack on ambassador's residential complex in Ukraine

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Tirana, Alexey Zaitsev, on Sunday, May 24, to convey the strong protest following the massive overnight attacks with drones and missiles, during which the residential complex where the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Ukraine resides was hit.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the attacks had seriously jeopardized the safety and life of the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania.

"This incident is unacceptable and completely contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and other international obligations that guarantee the inviolability, in all circumstances, of the safety and dignity of accredited diplomatic staff."

The Russian ambassador was handed a verbal note and asked to convey the Albanian side's call to respect international norms to the authorities of his country.

We recall that the attacks took place on the evening of Saturday, May 23, hitting the residential complex where the Albanian ambassador to Kiev, Ernal Filo, resides.

In an interview, Filo said that the situation was difficult, as the attack lasted for several hours and was accompanied by the use of drones and various missiles.

"The attack began at 22:00 PM last night and lasted until 06:30 AM. It was one of the most powerful attacks that has occurred since we opened the embassy last year with drones and missiles of various types, Iskander, Zircon... up to Oreshnik. It was a massive attack that continued for hours," the ambassador told TVKlan.

Filo said that only the facade suffered damage, but the building is still habitable.

He also added that he has had contacts and received support from Ukrainian institutions, while emphasizing that the diplomatic corps will continue to remain in Kiev.

"They called me, showed interest and gave me support. They expressed solidarity and gratitude that we are here. And we give them the message that the entire diplomatic corps will stay here to give the message to Ukraine that we are with them and will stay with them as long as necessary," Filo declared.

The GeoPost