Germany, Poland, Sweden expel Russian diplomats in a retaliatory move

Germany, Poland and Sweden have expelled a Russian diplomat respectively in a coordinated retaliation over expulsion of three European Union (EU) officials by Moscow. This had happened when 27-nation-bloc’s foreign policy chief was visiting last week. On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that removal of diplomats from Germany, Poland and Sweden who were also accused of participating in anti-government protests last month against jailed Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny last month, took place before Borrell visit. 

EU  foreign policy chief Josep Borrell had travelled to Moscow in order to discuss case with its Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, calling for immediate release and investigation into opposition leader Navalny. However, he later said that Russia is dismissing a constructive dialogue with bloc that Europe must draw consequences. Furr, trip was accompanied by expulsion of EU envoys, which Borrell ted as EU-Russia “drifting apart”. 

German foreign office, in a statement, regarding removal of Russian diplomat said that German official ejected by Moscow was only “carrying out his task of reporting on developments on spot in a legal fashion”. Subsequently, in a retaliatory move, Poland foreign ministry said it ordered a member of Russia’s consulate in city of Poznan to leave “in accordance with principle of reciprocity and in coordination with Germany and Sweden”. 

Swedish foreign minister, Ann Linde, said its action was a “clear response to unacceptable decision to expel a Swedish diplomat who was only performing his duties”. However, Russia’s foreign ministry labelled actions by EU countries as “unjustified and unfriendly”. 

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EU foreign policy chief blog on Russia

In a statement on Twitter, Borrell said that his visit to Moscow highlighted that Russia does t want to seize opportunity to have more constructive dialogue. He furr called it “regrettable” and added that EU and Russia were “drifting apart” after a complicated visit which saw expulsion of three EU diplomats over allegations from Moscow that y had attended protests. 

“At times, discussion with my Russian counterpart reached high levels of tension, as I called for Mr. Navalny’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as for a full and impartial investigation into his assassination attempt,” he said

“We have to face challenges, including meeting ors in ir home turf, just when negative events are unfolding. If we want a safer world for tomorrow, we have to act decidedly today and be ready to take some risks,” Borrell added as he is scheduled to debrief his trip to EU members on February 22.

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