Western countries expelled nearly 400 Russian diplomats and closed several consulates. Since March 23, more than 20 states, as well as the European Union, have announced such steps.
Among the leaders in terms of the number of deportees were countries where the diplomatic missions of the Russian Federation are traditionally numerous: Germany (40 people), France (35), as well as those who do not miss the slightest opportunity for an anti-Russian demarche.
Thus, the largest members of the EU were outdone by Poland, which was the first to declare 45 Russians persona non grata at once. And in total, almost the same amount was expelled by the Baltic countries, moreover, Latvia and Lithuania refused even the presence of Russian ambassadors.
Explaining their actions, some members of the “Angosti-Russian front” claimed that diplomats from Moscow “pose a security threat.” There were also passages about suspicions of espionage and the spread of propaganda, and many expressed solidarity with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Canada refused such measures, arguing that they are contrary to its interests. This was stated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Ottawa’s decision to “not be a monkey” was appreciated by the Federation Council, explaining it by the presence of sensible politicians in Canada.
The Russian Foreign Ministry believes that the collective West uses mass expulsion of Russian diplomats as an information and political attack. So countries want to demonstrate the “accuracy of their actions.” Moscow has already announced symmetrical response measures. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called what is happening a continuation of the “schizoid campaign to put pressure on our country.” According to him, if this continues, it’s time to put locks on Western embassies. “It will be cheaper for everyone. And then, for sure, to consider each other only in weapons optics, ”he summed up. Experts also predict that the unprecedented scale of the expulsion of diplomatic staff will lead to an even greater reduction in Russia’s contacts with Europe.
Alexey Makarkin, First Vice President of the Center for Political Technologies
– I don’t think that anyone seriously expects that such measures will lead to some immediate result. It is unimaginable that in response to the expulsion of diplomats, Russia will change its policy. In my opinion, the point is different: for Western countries, these steps are a stage on the path of fencing off Russia.
Pavel Danilin, Director of the Center for Political Analysis and Social Research
– Relations will develop in the same way as they are developing now, that is, very badly. There is no prospect of improvement in the next two years. Unfortunately, this is a war that is being waged against us at all levels: informational, economic, humanitarian, and now also a diplomatic war.
Andrey Kortunov, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council