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Russia to retaliate against Polish diplomatic missions over travel restrictions

30.05.2024 16:00
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday it would take retaliatory measures against the Polish embassy in Moscow and the consulates general in Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, and St. Petersburg, in response to Poland's new rules on the movement of Russian diplomats on its territory.
Polands top diplomat Radosław Sikorski.
Poland's top diplomat Radosław Sikorski.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

"Russia will take retaliatory steps against the Polish embassy in Moscow and the consulates general in Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, and St. Petersburg," said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

The move follows a memo received by the Russian embassy in Warsaw on May 28, outlining new requirements for Russian diplomatic staff travel within Poland, effective June 1. Under the new rules, Russian diplomatic missions must notify the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance of any travel plans outside the provinces where they are stationed. The regulations exclude the ambassador, consuls general, and the head of the embassy's consular department.

Zakharova added that the Polish note mandates reporting the names, dates, purposes, and routes of those traveling, as well as information on their means of transport. These requirements apply to employees of the Russian embassy in Warsaw and the consulates general in Gdansk, Krakow, and Poznan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry's announcement signals escalating diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Warsaw, adding to the strained relations over a range of issues, amid Russia's aggression on Ukraine.

(tf)

Source: IAR