In what appears to be a coordinated action to combat Russian espionage activities, some European countries are expelling dozens of Russian diplomats. It was also noteworthy that the deportation decisions coincided with a period when intense sanctions were imposed on Russia due to the Ukrainian attacks.
The Netherlands has announced that it has decided to expel 17 Russian diplomats, which it describes as intelligence workers who look like diplomats. Belgium is similarly deporting 21 Russian citizens. The Czech Republic also gave a Russian diplomat 72 hours to leave the country. Ireland asked 4 top Russian diplomats to leave the country on the grounds that their activities were far from internationally accepted diplomatic standards.
North Macedonia also reported on Monday that five Russian diplomats were expelled on the grounds that their activities did not comply with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
In the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the statement “We are reducing intelligence activities in Europe together with our allies” was included.
Last week, Poland expelled 45 people who were found to be conducting intelligence activities in the country using their diplomat identities.
The Netherlands also announced that the deportation decision was taken after negotiations with other countries. Countries that have so far dismissed Russian diplomats on charges of espionage include the United States, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Montenegro. The Dutch government reported that the decision was taken on the grounds of the country’s national security. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra also stated that they are ready for retaliation by Russia.
Russia has so far expelled 10 diplomats from Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia this month.
Moscow stated that it evaluated the espionage claims of western countries as baseless and provocative.