Russian Foreign Ministry Addresses Removal of a Russian Diplomat by Estonia
In a recent development, Russia has announced it will take retaliatory measures against Estonia following the expulsion of a Russian diplomat. The Russian Foreign Ministry, through Deputy Director Alexey Fadeev, stated that retaliatory measures are usually worked out over time and will be made public later.
The expulsion of the first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn by Estonia was due to allegations of interference in Estonia’s domestic affairs and involvement in crimes against the state, including sanctions violations. The Russian side has not yet responded, but it is expected to involve similar diplomatic actions against Estonian diplomats or other measures.
This latest move by Estonia is not the first time the two countries have engaged in hostile actions. Russia has become accustomed to such actions from Estonia, and the Russian Foreign Ministry's response is part of a long-standing history of tension between the two countries.
The Russian Foreign Ministry is known for responding to such actions with a carefully planned and executed retaliatory response. Fadeev shared that retaliatory steps against Estonian diplomats are usually worked out and then made public. The specific retaliatory steps have not yet been publicly disclosed, but an official response against Estonian diplomatic personnel or interests is anticipated based on previous practice and statements from Russian officials.
The Russian Foreign Ministry's response is likely to be met with further tension and escalation between the two countries. It remains to be seen what specific actions Russia will take, but the history of tension between the two nations suggests that this is not a situation that will be easily resolved.
[1] Russian Foreign Ministry comments on expulsion of Russian diplomat from Estonia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://tass.com/world/1195128
[2] Russia to take retaliatory measures against Estonia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-to-take-retaliatory-measures-against-estonia-2021-08-31/
[3] Estonia expels Russian diplomat over sanctions violations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58589977
[5] Estonia-Russia tensions escalate as Moscow vows retaliation for diplomat expulsion. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/1/estonia-russia-tensions-escalate-as-moscow-vows-retaliation-for-diplomat-expulsion
[1] The Russian Foreign Ministry, in response to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat from Estonia, has announced that retaliatory measures against Estonian diplomats or other measures are anticipated.
[2] This latest development in Estonia-Russia relations, marked by the expulsion of a Russian diplomat and the announcement of retaliatory measures, is a part of a long-standing history of tension between the two countries.
