Russia Planning Retaliation for Diplomat's Expelment by Estonia
In a briefing held in Moscow on August 13, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Department Deputy Director, Alexey Fadeev, announced that Russia will take retaliatory measures in response to Estonia's expulsion of a diplomatic employee from the Russian Embassy in Tallinn.
Fadeev considered the expulsion a hostile act, but did not provide specific details about the retaliatory measures against Estonian diplomats. He mentioned that such measures are typically formulated over time before being announced.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Estonia of multiple hostile acts, including interfering in Estonia's domestic affairs, undermining the constitutional order and legal system, dividing Estonian society, and committing crimes against the state, notably including multiple violations related to international sanctions imposed on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Estonia expelled the Russian diplomat on grounds of interference and sanction-related offenses, declaring the diplomat persona non grata and ordering him to leave the country. The Estonian Foreign Minister stated that the diplomat was "directly and actively involved" in these activities, which Estonia regards as unacceptable meddling in its internal affairs.
However, no information was given about the identity of the expelled Russian diplomat. Fadeev implied that the Russian government is used to hostile acts from Estonia, stating that the expulsion was "by no means the first hostile act" by Estonia. He also mentioned that retaliatory measures against Estonian diplomats will be announced in due time.
The briefing was held by TASS, a news agency. No specific details about the location of the briefing beyond Moscow were provided. It is important to note that this is a developing story and more information may be released in the coming days.
- Amidst the ongoing political tussle, the Russian Foreign Ministry critically labeled Estonia's actions as interfering in its internal affairs and undermining the constitutional order, matters that are usually classified under general news.
- In response to Estonia's expulsion of a Russian diplomat, the Russian government, through Alexey Fadeev, announced they would retaliate, a common practice in diplomatic relations and a topic often covered under general news.
