Austria expels 4 Russian envoys after EU nations take similar action over Bucha killings

Austria has become latest European country to expel Russian diplomats, citing inappropriate behaviour. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for country’s Foreign Ministry said that four Russian diplomats faced expulsion as ir behaviour was found to be 'incompatible with ir diplomatic status' Interestingly, Ministry stopped short of revealing if measure was taken in wake of Putin’s all-out military invasion of Ukraine. 

" (four) people have acted in a way that is inconsistent with ir diplomatic status," spokeswoman said in a short statement without elaborating.

move was quickly slammed by Kremlin, which warned of countermeasures. dressing reporters, Maria Zakharova, Director of Information and Press Department at Russian Foreign Ministry, asserted that Moscow would respond to expulsion of four Russian diplomats from Austria. "Earlier today it became known that three employees of Russian Embassy in Vienna and one employee of Consulate General in Salzburg must leave Austria by April 12," she ded. 

Europe continues to oust Russian diplomats

Last week, four European countries- Nerlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Czech Republic, expelled as many as 43 Russian diplomats in a single day. Countries including Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain declared several Russian diplomats persona non grata in wake of Bucha killings. Two countries, Latvia and Estonia, went a step furr, each ordering closure of two Russian consulates in ir territories. 

More recently, Greece, on Wednesday, April 6, dismissed Russian diplomats stationed in country in response to Ukraine war and recent Bucha atrocities. In a statement, Greek Foreign Ministry announced that 12 Russian diplomats h been asked to leave country and h been declared “personae non-gratae” by provisions of 1961 Vienna Convention.

statement of Greek Foreign Ministry, as quoted by local media re, “ Greek authorities have declared 12 members of Diplomatic and Consular Missions of Russian Federation, accredited in Greece, as personae non-gratae.  above were declared undesirable by provisions of 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Affairs and 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Affairs.  Acting Secretary-General informed Russian Ambassor earlier today about this decision.”

Image: AP