The ex-Russian diplomat linked restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats in the EU with preparations for war
Quick Look
Former Russian Foreign Ministry envoy Vasily Korchmar said that restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats in EU countries are related to preparations for war with Russia, calling such measures a violation of the Vienna Convention and noting that such a practice has never existed in the world.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The EU is discussing tightening travel rules for Russian diplomats and restricting the issuance of tourist visas to Russians in response to Russia's actions, according to a Bloomberg report.
The fact that European Union (EU) countries want to limit the movement of diplomats on their territory is due to preparations for war with Russia. This opinion was expressed in a conversation with NSN by retired envoy extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Russian Foreign Ministry Vasily Korchmar.
“In fact, they are preparing for an invasion of Russian territory, preparing for war. Therefore, restricting the movement of Russian diplomats is a measure that is in the scope of preparation for such a war,” the diplomat explained. He called this a violation of the Vienna Convention and added that such a practice “has never happened in the world.”
Bloomberg previously reported that EU ambassadors in the coming weeks will discuss tightening travel rules for Russian diplomats, as well as limiting the issuance of tourist visas to Russians. Korchmar admitted that Russia may take retaliatory measures to these restrictions.
Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Europe should introduce stricter restrictions on Russian diplomats and citizens visiting EU countries.
According to him, it is necessary to limit the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats only to countries of accreditation, reduce the issuance of Schengen visas to Russians, introduce a requirement for biometric passports and set quotas on the number of Russian diplomats in the EU.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The EU will impose new restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats and reduce the issuance of Schengen visas to Russians in the coming weeks
Likely · Within weeks
Russia will respond with symmetrical measures in case of tightening the rules for its diplomats to the EU
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific measures does the EU plan to introduce against Russian diplomats?
- When exactly will these measures be discussed by EU ambassadors?
- What response can Russia take in the event of new restrictions?
- What specific actions of Russia does the EU cite as a basis for tightening the rules?
