Sikorski: At least 40% of Russian diplomats in EU perform tasks ‘inconsistent’ with their status
At least 40% of Russian diplomats in the European Union perform tasks “inconsistent with their diplomatic status,” Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said, calling for tighter restrictions on Russian diplomats and citizens traveling within the bloc.
“We still have far too many Russian diplomats throughout the European Union. We estimate there are over 2,000, and we estimate that at least 40 percent of them are performing tasks that are inconsistent with their diplomatic status,” Sikorski said after meeting his German and French counterparts in Weimar.
Politico reported on the remarks.
“They work for agencies that also carry out terrorist activities in our countries,” Sikorski added.
He proposed restricting Russian diplomats’ movement to the EU countries where they are accredited, capping the number of Russian diplomats stationed across the bloc, limiting Schengen visas for Russian citizens and requiring biometric passes for Russians entering the EU.
“Russia is, after all, trying to destroy the EU from within and should not be allowed to take advantage of the privileges of free movement,” he said.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France was prepared to support additional measures “if circumstances require it.”
The calls come amid heightened concern over suspected Russian hybrid operations in Europe. Germany this week attributed an incursion by explosive-laden drones in Leipzig to Russia and announced retaliatory diplomatic measures.
German authorities are also investigating several recent attacks on energy infrastructure and a defense company, though those incidents have not been attributed to Russia.