Over 200 Arrive in Europe in Two Days
Russia Says "Inevitable Retaliation Will Occur"
[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Over 200 Russian diplomats were expelled from Europe within two days following the massacre of Ukrainian civilians by Russia.
On the 5th (local time), according to foreign media reports, Slovenia announced the expulsion of 33 diplomats, Italy 30, Spain 25, Denmark 15, and Sweden 3. Romania and Portugal each expelled 10 diplomatic staff members.
Italy, Spain, Romania, and Portugal expelled them citing national security reasons. Denmark expelled intelligence agents disguised as diplomats, and Sweden expelled diplomats involved in illegal intelligence-gathering activities.
Latvia and Estonia, located on the Baltic Sea coast, each closed two Russian consulates and expelled their diplomatic staff. Slovenia summoned the Russian ambassador in connection with the civilian massacre along with the expulsion of diplomats.
The EU Commission also declared some Russian diplomats as 'persona non grata' on the same day. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, explained, "This is due to their involvement in activities contrary to diplomatic status."
Germany and France decided the previous day to expel 40 and 35 Russian diplomats respectively. Lithuania expelled the Russian ambassador stationed in its country and also decided to withdraw its ambassador from Russia.
Other European countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic also demanded Russian diplomats leave their countries.
Russia protested the series of expulsions by Europe. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned, "In an unprecedented crisis situation, the expulsion decisions by European countries are short-sighted measures that narrow opportunities for diplomatic communication," and added, "They will lead to inevitable retaliatory measures (by Russia)."
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