Moscow warns EU: Diplomatic cuts will be met with "mirror response"

Russia has warned the European Union that it will respond in kind to any reduction in Russian diplomatic missions across member states, describing such moves as discriminatory.

In comments to the Russian media, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow viewed Brussels’ policy of scaling back Russia’s diplomatic presence in the EU as a “discriminatory measure”, arguing it violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Grushko added that Russia would “of course” respond appropriately.

His remarks come amid renewed calls within parts of Europe to curb Russian diplomatic activity. Last year, Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of Germany’s Bundestag from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), urged the expulsion of additional Russian diplomats, citing alleged increases in cyberattacks and acts of sabotage attributed to Russia.

He also called for the closure of the Russian House in Berlin and other institutions linked to Russian diplomatic and cultural activity in Germany.

By Aghakazim Guliyev