Estonia Expels Russian Diplomat Amid Rising Tensions
Estonia’s foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday the expulsion of a Russian diplomat due to “ongoing interference” in the affairs of the NATO and EU member state, reports 24brussels.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the expelled diplomat had been “directly and actively involved in undermining the constitutional order and legal system of Estonia.” He emphasized that the Russian embassy’s persistent interference in Estonia’s internal matters must cease, underscoring that the expulsion serves as a clear indication that Estonia will not tolerate actions orchestrated by a foreign state on its soil.
Moreover, Tsahkna accused the diplomat of “contributing to… crimes against the state, including several offences related to sanctions violations.” He added that an Estonian citizen has already faced conviction for these activities.
In response, Russian foreign ministry deputy press and information director Alexey Fadeev remarked that this incident was not an isolated action by Estonia. “This is not the first such hostile action on the part of Estonia. I must say that we have already become accustomed to this,” Fadeev commented, as reported by TASS news agency. He further stated that Russia would issue a timely response regarding potential measures against Estonian diplomats.
The relationship between Estonia and Russia has deteriorated significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Estonia emerging as a strong ally of Kyiv throughout the conflict. In recent developments, the Estonian foreign ministry summoned the Russian charge d’affaires last month over reports of a Russian border guard vessel breaching its maritime border.
This expulsion marks the continuation of deteriorating diplomatic ties, following a similar incident last year when Estonia expelled another Russian diplomat over analogous accusations. At that time, Tsahkna stated, “The Russian embassy has interfered in the internal matters of Estonia in an unacceptable way.”
Since February 2023, Russia has not appointed an ambassador to Tallinn after Estonia ordered the departure of Moscow’s envoy in a reciprocal move.
