Western countries have expelled almost 400 Russian diplomats and shut down some consulates. Since March 23, over 20 states and the European Union have taken similar actions.
The countries with the most diplomatic personnel deported are those where the Russian Federation has a lot of missions: Germany (40), France (35), and those who consistently oppose Russia.
The biggest EU members were outdone by Poland, which was the first to declare 45 Russians persona non grata at once. The Baltic countries collectively expelled almost the same number, with Latvia and Lithuania even refusing the presence of Russian ambassadors.
Some members of the “Anti-Russian front” said diplomats from Moscow “pose a security threat.” There were also concerns about espionage and propaganda, with many showing support for Ukraine. However, Canada did not take such measures, arguing they contradict its interests. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared this, and Russia's Federation Council praised Canada's decision.
The Russian Foreign Ministry sees the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats as an information and political attack by the collective West. uses The mass expulsion of Russian diplomats is seen by Moscow as an information and political attack. Countries want to demonstrate the “accuracy of their actions.” Moscow has announced retaliatory measures. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev labeled it a continuation of the “schizoid campaign to pressure our country.” He suggested putting locks on Western embassies, as it would be more cost-effective for everyone. Experts predict that the large-scale expulsion of diplomatic staff will further reduce Russia’s contacts with Europe.
Alexey Makarkin, First Vice President of the Center for Political Technologies
– I doubt anyone really expects these measures to immediately change Russia's policy. I think for Western countries, these steps are part of a strategy to isolate Russia.
Pavel Danilin, Director of the Center for Political Analysis and Social Research
– Relations will continue to deteriorate the same way they are now. There's no hope for improvement in the next two years. Unfortunately, there's a war being waged against us at all levels: informational, economic, humanitarian, and now diplomatic.
Andrey Kortunov, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council
