Russia-Ukraine conflict: European countries expel Russian diplomats suspected of spying

Many countries have already imposed or adhered to the sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Several European countries have recently expelled Russian diplomats who are suspected of spying.

The Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and the Czech Republic announced the expulsions of dozens of Russian diplomats who are suspected of espionage as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine. The expulsions appear to be a coordinated response among the countries as sanctions continue to be imposed on Russia.

The Netherlands announced that it has expelled 17 Russians who are suspected to be intelligence officers under the guise of diplomats. The Netherlands said the decision to expel was made in consultation with “like-minded countries” and cited similar expulsions by the US, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Dutch foreign ministry noted that it summoned the Russian ambassador to the country to inform them of their expulsion.

Dutch foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra said that the country was prepared for possible retaliation from Moscow.

“Experience shows that Russia does not leave these kinds of measures unanswered,” said Hoekstra. “We cannot speculate about that, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared for various scenarios that may arise in the near future.”

Belgium said it was expelling 21 diplomats from the Russian embassy. Belgian foreign minister Sophie Wilmes said that the move by Brussels was coordinated with the Netherlands, but is not a sanction. Wilmes said that diplomatic channels are still open with Russia and the embassy can continue its operations.

Ireland expelled four senior Russian diplomats citing activities deemed not “in accordance with international standards of diplomatic behavior.” The Czech Republic informed one Russian diplomat that they had 72 hours to leave the country.

Last week, Poland expelled 45 Russians who were identified by the Polish government as intelligence officers using their diplomatic status to operate in the country.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, negotiators for the two countries are set to return to in-person peace talks in Turkey. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains a major priority, despite previously saying that a compromise is willing to be reached regarding the separatist-occupied Donetsk region.

“Our priorities in the negotiations are known. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are beyond doubt. Effective security guarantees for our state are mandatory,” said Zelenskyy.