Russia's diplomats are sent packing by Estonia
In August 2025, Dmitry Prilepin, the first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn, was expelled from Estonia for his alleged involvement in activities that aimed to undermine Estonia's constitutional order, legal system, and internal stability [1][2][3][4].
Prilepin's actions were accused of fostering social division within Estonian society, engaging in offenses linked to sanctions violations imposed on Russia by the West, and interfering in Estonia’s domestic affairs [1][2][4]. The diplomat was also connected to at least one Estonian citizen who had already been convicted for crimes related to these activities, although the specific details of this relationship remain undisclosed [1][2][4].
Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, emphasized that these actions were orchestrated by a foreign state with the intent of destabilizing Estonia. The expulsion, Tsahkna stated, signifies Estonia’s refusal to tolerate such interference [1][2][3][4].
The expulsion of Prilepin is part of a broader pattern that began in 2022, where several European countries have expelled Russian diplomats accused of subversive activities or spying under diplomatic cover [3]. Russia has denounced the move and promised retaliatory measures [1][4].
Estonia, due to its proximity to Russia and the invasion of Ukraine, feels threatened by Russia. The country has a large Russian-speaking minority, which adds to the sensitivity of the situation [5]. However, the specific actions of Prilepin and the Russian Embassy in Estonia that contributed to the division of Estonian society are not detailed [1][2][4].
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide further details about the expulsion, citing diplomatic protocols and the ongoing nature of the investigation [1][2][3][4]. Despite this, the expulsion of the diplomat is a demonstration of Estonia's intolerance for actions orchestrated by a foreign state on its territory.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56215392 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/estonia-expels-russian-diplomat-over-sanctions-violations-2025-08-03/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/world/europe/estonia-russia-diplomat-expulsion.html [4] https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/03/estonia-expels-russian-diplomat-over-alleged-sanctions-violations [5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-21808650
- The expulsion of Dmitry Prilepin, the first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn, underscores Estonia's employment policy of not tolerating foreign interference in its internal affairs, particularly during a time when tensions with neighboring countries, such as war-and-conflicts and politics, are prevalent in general-news.
- In light of the ongoing investigations and diplomatic protocols, the details of Prilepin's alleged activities, including his role in fostering social division within Estonia and his connection to Estonian citizens involved in war-and-conflicts-related crimes, are yet to be disclosed, though they are believed to violate Estonia's community policy and employment policy.
