Russia to expel Dutch media journalist after Hague permit denial

Russia will revoke the accreditation of a correspondent from a Dutch media outlet after the Netherlands, citing sanctions, refused to extend the residence permit of the chief correspondent for RIA Novosti in The Hague.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced the decision, though the specific Dutch media outlet affected was not disclosed, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Zakharova stated that Russia had made several attempts with Dutch representatives to find a resolution. She accused the Netherlands of continuing “practices of harassment and discrimination against Russian journalists.” 

“Despite advice from their own diplomats in Moscow, we cannot leave this unresolved. Therefore, in response to the actions of the Dutch authorities, we are forced to revoke the accreditation and residency of a correspondent from a Dutch media outlet,” she added.

The spokeswoman noted that Russia is willing to reconsider the decision if the Dutch government “creates appropriate conditions for the RIA Novosti journalist to work.”

In October 2025, the European Union approved its 19th sanctions package, restricting the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen visa-free zone. Diplomats must notify the host country a day in advance of any visit or transit, and the host country can deny entry. In January, the Dutch Foreign Ministry informed the Russian embassy that these restrictions would be enforced in line with EU sanctions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada