Russia attacks EU diplomat-security situation escalated!

Russia attacks EU diplomat-security situation escalated!

Wladiwostok, Russland - On May 26, a Romanian EU diplomat was attacked in Vladiwostok, Russia. The incident occurred near her hotel while walking around 7 a.m. They have physically attacked two men who are suspected that they are employees of the Russian domestic intelligence agency FSB. This attack raises serious questions about the security of diplomats in Russia. The Romanian government has not yet responded to inquiries about the incident, while the EU Commission confirmed that an investigation was initiated, but without giving precise details.

In diplomatic circles, it is assumed that the attackers were actually FSB employees. The Russian representative in Brussels has already been ordered to clarify. The security situation for western diplomats in Russia has noticeably deteriorated since the beginning of the Ukraine War. Western governments and the EU are increasingly concerned about the growing monitoring measures and attempts at intimidation. Similar attacks in various other Russian cities suggest that a systematic strategy of intimidation may be pursued here.

Denial allegations and arrests

In addition to the attacks on diplomats, the FSB also arrested a former employee of the US consulate in Vladiwostok. Robert Robertowitsch Schonow is accused of passing on confidential information about the Ukraine War to US diplomats. This allegation concerns in particular information about mobilization processes and the protest potential before the presidential elections in Russia. In the event of a possible conviction, Schonow threatens up to eight years in prison. His arrest could continue to burden the already tense relationships between Russia and the United States.

The FSB also plans to interrogate two US diplomats in Moscow, which would be a clear break with diplomatic customs. Schonow worked for the US consulate in Vladiwostok for over 25 years before moving to the private sector in 2021. The U.S. Ministry of State defended itself against the allegations and explained that the information that Schonow supposedly collected came from publicly accessible media and stood in harmony with Russian laws.

security measures and international reactions

The incidents in Russia not only affect the security of diplomats, but also have an impact on the diplomatic relationships between the countries. Czech officials have already taken measures and demanded that Russian diplomats prohibit free travel in the EU in order to counteract espionage allegations. This could be a reaction to the growing concerns about the activities of Russian diplomats in Europe.

The EU Commission plans to review and strengthen the existing protective measures for diplomatic personnel. In view of the current developments, many western representations in Russia have tightened their security protocols and introduced additional protective measures. The developments of the past few months show that the diplomatic landscape in Europe and Russia is characterized by tensions and distrust.