Russian diplomat discharged by Estonia over allegations of threatening the nation's legal foundation.
In a significant move against foreign interference, Estonia has declared the first secretary of the Russian Embassy, Dmitry Prilepin, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country. The diplomat was accused of participating in undermining Estonia's constitutional order and legal system, as well as dividing Estonian society.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Prilepin's actions aimed to erode the country's legal order and social cohesion. The expulsion was carried out under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which allows a host country to declare any diplomatic staff persona non grata without explanation.
The allegations against Prilepin also include contributing to crimes against the state, including several violations of sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. An Estonian citizen has been convicted in connection with these crimes.
Estonia emphasized that such subversive activities orchestrated by a foreign state will not be tolerated. This move comes amidst broader tensions; Estonia has recently expelled several Russian diplomats citing subversion, espionage, and security threats.
In response, Moscow has promised retaliatory measures. The expulsion of Prilepin aligns with the ongoing strained relations between the two countries. It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to this move by Estonia.
The expulsion of Dmitry Prilepin, the Russian Embassy's first secretary, underscores Estonia's firm stance against foreign interference in policy-and-legislation and politics. General-news outlets are closely monitoring the escalating tensions between Estonia and Russia, as Moscow has threatened retaliatory measures following the expulsion.
