Russia's envoy ejected from Estonia
In a significant move, Estonia has declared Dmitry Prilepin, the first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn, persona non grata. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Prilepin of allegedly undermining Estonia's constitutional order and legal system, fomenting social division, and assisting in violations of international sanctions imposed on Russia.
The expulsion comes after the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d'affaires of the Russian embassy on August 13, 2023. The ministry reported the incident on its website, stating that the employee of the Russian embassy committed these crimes.
The allegations against Prilepin are serious, with Estonia accusing him of engaging in subversive activities that threaten the country's state security. These activities are linked to crimes against Estonia, including several offenses related to sanctions violations. An Estonian citizen was reportedly convicted in connection with these activities.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the Russian embassy's interference in Estonia's internal affairs must end. He emphasized that the expulsion signals Estonia's refusal to tolerate foreign-orchestrated actions on its soil. Russia, in response, condemned Estonia's actions as hostile and promised retaliatory measures.
This expulsion fits into a broader context of deteriorated diplomatic relations between Estonia and Russia since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both countries have downgraded ties and expelled each other's diplomats. The specific sanctions violated were not detailed by Estonia but are likely related to the extensive Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to the Ukraine conflict.
The article, published by RIA "Novy Day", does not provide any updates on the timeline of events or any new actions taken by the Russian embassy or government in response to the events. It also does not mention any new statements from the Estonian Foreign Ministry or any new convictions related to the Russian diplomat.
The article also mentions Natalia Petrova, but it is unclear in the provided context how she is connected to the events.
The incident unfolded in Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. The article does not provide any additional information about the Russian diplomat or the allegations against him.
- The expulsion of Dmitry Prilepin, the first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn, comes amidst escalating war-and-conflicts-related tensions between Estonia and Russia, particularly the latter's intervention in Ukraine.
- The ongoing politics between Estonia and Russia have been marked by several sanctions violations, with General-news outlets reporting that Estonia has accused Prilepin of assisting in such violations, threatening the country's state security, and undermining its constitutional order.
