Russia has taken a new step in its diplomatic escalation against the West, announcing the closure of its Embassy to NATO in Moscow as of November 1. As explained by the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov , this measure is his response to the expulsion of eight diplomats from the Russian mission to the Alliance for alleged links to “hostile activities”, such as assassinations and cases of espionage. Thus, he will drive out the NATO workers in Moscow.
“In response to NATO actions, we suspend the work of our permanent mission, including the work of the chief military representative,” Lavrov said. Although the expected date to implement the measure is November 1, the minister stressed that this could take “a few more days.” Likewise, he has clarified that all the activities of the NATO information office in Moscow will also be suspended.
For her part, NATO spokesperson, Oana Lungescu, has indicated in statements that the Alliance “has taken note” of Lavrov’s comments to the press, but has specified that “they have not received any official communication” regarding his ad. There are currently 10 Russian representatives left on the NATO mission, following the latest downsizing.
The Russian proposal
This same Monday, the Kremlin has offered to NATO reciprocally reduce military activities on the border as a measure to agree on measures to reduce tensions, the same day it announced that Russia will suspend all its operations within the transatlantic partnership starting November 1.
The Russian deputy permanent representative to the UN office, Andrei Belousov, has extended the offer this Monday at a meeting of the first commission of the United Nations General Assembly, where he has proposed “to agree on detente measures”, reports the agency of Russian news Sputnik.
One of these measures would be “the reciprocal reduction of military activities along the border between Russia and the NATO countries, to improve the mechanisms for preventing incidents and dangerous military activities.”
This same Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reported that the Russian Embassy to NATO will suspend all its operations as of November 1, a decision taken in response to the expulsion of eight diplomats from the mission. Russia before the Alliance for alleged links to “hostile activities”, such as assassinations and espionage cases.
