Germany, Sweden, and Poland Expel Russian Diplomats... Conflict Escalates Over 'Navalny Incident'

Russia's Reciprocal Response to the Expulsion of German, Swedish, and Polish Diplomats

Ann Linde, Swedish Foreign Minister
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Germany, Sweden, and Poland, three European countries, have issued expulsion orders to Russian diplomats stationed in their countries in response to Russia's expulsion of their own diplomats. The protests demanding the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, spreading within Russia, are escalating into a diplomatic conflict between nations.

According to foreign media on the 8th (local time), Germany, Sweden, and Poland designated Russian diplomats stationed in their countries as 'persona non grata' (diplomatically unwelcome persons). It is customary for the sending country to recall the diplomats upon receiving such notification.

The German Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the day, explaining, "This is a countermeasure following Russia's expulsion of several European Union (EU) diplomats, including staff from the German Embassy in Moscow, on the 5th." Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde also announced on Twitter that "the Russian ambassador was notified that one embassy staff member must leave Sweden." The Polish Foreign Ministry also publicly announced the expulsion of Russian diplomats via Twitter.

Earlier, the Russian government issued 'persona non grata' orders to German, Swedish, and Polish diplomats, citing their participation in protests across Russia demanding Navalny's release. At that time, the Russian Foreign Ministry explained this measure by stating, "These diplomats participated in unauthorized protests, effectively violating international law," and "they were instructed to leave Russia."

The Russian government's expulsion of European diplomats occurred during Josep Borrell's visit to Russia, which analysts say further complicated relations between the EU and Russia. According to TASS news agency, after completing his visit to Russia the previous day, Borrell stated on his blog, "It was confirmed that Russia is not interested in improving relations with the EU," and "the EU may impose additional sanctions on Russia related to the Navalny case."

Russia immediately condemned Borrell's assessment of his visit. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a comment on the day, saying, "We are surprised by Borrell's evaluation of his visit," and "it greatly contradicts his statements at the Moscow press conference." At the Moscow press conference, Borrell had stated that he engaged in "open dialogue" on COVID-19 response, climate change, and other issues.

The Guardian evaluated, "The expulsion of diplomats following the verbal dispute between Russia and the EU over Borrell's visit clearly reflects the unstable state of relations between the West and Russia."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.