How did the world react when many countries expelled Russian diplomats?
(Baonghean.vn) - Up to this point, a total of 22 countries, including 16/28 EU member states, have asked more than 110 Russian diplomats to leave their diplomatic missions. How have world leaders reacted to this incident?
1. Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia
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| Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia affirmed on March 26 that the US decision to expel 12 Russian diplomats working at the Russian Permanent Mission to the United Nations was a "regrettable and unfriendly step," showing that the US had abused its rights and obligations as a country hosting the UN headquarters. |
2. Deputy Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Farhan Haq
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| Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations Farhan Haq confirmed that the US Mission to the United Nations has informed the Secretariat of the decision regarding certain members of the Permanent Mission of Russia pursuant to Article 13 of the United Nations-US Headquarters Agreement. He stressed that this is a sensitive issue, adding that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will closely monitor the situation and engage appropriately with the relevant governments. |
3. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley
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| US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley welcomed the US administration's move, saying the US and many countries around the world were sending a clear message that they would "not accept" Russia's behavior. |
4. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag
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| The Turkish government announced on March 26 that the country will not take measures against Russia. Speaking at a press conference after a cabinet meeting, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag stressed that Russia and Türkiye have good relations and Ankara will not adopt anti-Russian measures. |
5. Leader of the far-right League party in Italy, Matteo Salvini
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| The leader of Italy's far-right League party, Matteo Salvini, on March 26 affirmed that the expulsion of Russian diplomats by the US and many European Union (EU) countries and the resumption of sanctions against Moscow not only does not solve the problems but also makes the situation worse. |
6. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz
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| Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl announced on the same day that Austria will not follow the lead of EU countries in expelling Russian diplomats. In a joint statement, Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Kneissl said the Austrian government agreed not to take any measures against Russia and wanted to keep communication channels open with Moscow. |
7. Former Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja
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| Former Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja also expressed his disapproval of the decision of his government and EU countries to expel Russian diplomats. |
Previously, on March 26, the US, Canada, many EU countries and Ukraine announced the imposition of diplomatic measures against Russia because of the case of former double agent Sergei Skripal. Accordingly, the US announced the closure of the Russian Consulate in Seattle, expelling 60 Russian diplomats working at the Russian Consulate in Seattle and the mission to the United Nations. Those expelled will have to leave the US in the next 7 days.
Canada also expelled four Russian diplomats whom Ottawa accused of being spies or interfering in Canadian affairs, as well as refusing to accept the registration of three Russian diplomats.
Meanwhile, at least 14 EU member states announced the expulsion of Russian diplomats.
Following the US move, Australia and Albania also announced that they would each expel two Russian diplomats, while Macedonia announced that it would expel one Russian diplomat.
Thus, up to this point, a total of 22 countries, including 16/28 EU member states, have asked more than 110 Russian diplomats to leave their diplomatic missions.
