Over 40 Russian and Czech Diplomats Expelled... Direct Clash Between the Two Countries Over Explosion Incident 7 Years Ago

Czech Republic: "Russia Behind 2014 Ammunition Depot Explosion"... 18 Russian Diplomats Expelled
Russia Expels 20 Czech Diplomats in Return... Al Jazeera: "Worst Bilateral Relations Since Soviet Era"

On the 17th (local time), Prime Minister Andrej Babis held a press conference at the Czernin Palace in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. On this day, Prime Minister Babis stated, "We have obtained evidence that the Russian government was involved in the 2014 ammunition depot explosion."
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Russia and the Czech Republic are escalating their bilateral relations to the worst level by expelling over 40 diplomats in connection with the 2014 explosion at a Czech ammunition depot. With the United States and the European Union (EU) supporting the Czech response, there are observations that a new front of conflict is being established between the Western world and Russia.

According to TASS news agency on the 18th (local time), the Russian Foreign Ministry designated 20 diplomats from the Czech Embassy in Russia as persona non grata. It is customary for the sending country to recall or revoke the diplomatic status of diplomats who have been declared persona non grata. TASS reported that this Russian move was a retaliatory measure following the Czech Republic's expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats on espionage charges the previous day.

Earlier, Czech authorities pointed to the Russian government as responsible for the explosion at a Czech ammunition depot in 2014. The explosion resulted in the deaths of two civilians. On the 17th, Prime Minister Andrej Babi? stated, "Czech intelligence agencies have obtained clear evidence reasonably suspecting the involvement of Russian military personnel in the explosion and have delivered it to the government," adding, "This is an attack on a sovereign nation. We will retaliate against Russia."

In response, the Czech Republic designated 18 Russian diplomats as persona non grata and expelled them on the 17th. Czech authorities also informed the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of this action in advance. Al Jazeera reported that foreign ministers of EU member states are expected to convene on the 19th to discuss this matter.

On the other hand, the Russian government completely denies involvement in the 2014 ammunition depot explosion. The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized, "The Czech expulsion of diplomats is merely an attempt to curry favor with the United States by aligning with recent U.S. sanctions against Russia."

Dominic Raab, UK Foreign Secretary
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

The Western world, including the United States, supports the Czech response. The U.S. State Department described it as "Czech Republic's resolute response to Russia's violation of sovereignty on Czech territory." British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also stated, "We will fully support our ally, the Czech Republic."

Within the Czech Republic, voices warning against Russia are growing louder. In particular, there are claims that Russian companies should not participate in the upcoming nuclear power plant project due to security concerns. Czech Minister of Industry Karel Havl??ek said, "If Russia's state-owned energy company Rosatom participates in our national energy industry projects, there is a concern that security risks may arise."

On the 18th (local time), citizens held a protest in front of the Russian Embassy in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, to protest against Russia over suspicions that the Russian government was involved in the 2014 explosion at a Czech ammunition depot. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Amid escalating clashes between pro-Russian rebels and government forces in eastern Ukraine near the Russian border, concerns are emerging that the diplomatic expulsions between the Czech Republic and Russia will further intensify conflicts between Russia and Western countries. Al Jazeera reported, "This reciprocal expulsion of diplomats is driving relations between the Czech Republic and Russia to their worst since the dissolution of the Soviet Union," adding, "Following the recent buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine, this Czech incident is heightening tensions in the confrontation between the Western world and Russia."

Meanwhile, on the 17th, Czech police authorities announced they are tracking two Russian intelligence agents involved in the assassination of Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal, who was poisoned in the United Kingdom in 2018. The UK strongly condemned the poisoning incident as a "violation of sovereignty" by Russia at the time.