Iran Press/ Commentary: After a long period of speculation about tensions between Russia and Ukraine, on the morning of Thursday (February 24), Russian troops began their military operations on Ukrainian territory and have advanced in various parts of the country.
In a statement, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced the expulsion of 40 Russian diplomats, saying the country would step up its support for Ukraine.
"The German federal government has decided to expel a significant number of members of the Russian embassy's members who work every day in Germany against the freedom and cohesion of our society as an undesirable element," the statement said.
Related News:
Germany to expel dozens of Russian diplomats
The French Foreign Ministry also said that Paris had decided to expel many Russian diplomats because their actions were contrary to France's national security interests, and this is part of a European initiative. A French official claimed that France would expel about 35 Russian diplomats. Earlier, Belgium had asked 21 Russian diplomats to leave the country. The Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Ireland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have also announced the expulsion of dozens of Russian diplomats. Russia, meanwhile, has announced that it will expel ten diplomats of the three Baltic states in retaliation.
The massive expulsion of Russian diplomats follows Russia's military operation in Ukraine, now is in its second month. EU countries, including the United States, have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia. The aim of the expulsions, which has doubled, especially after the media coverage of the killing of a number of Bucha residents in the north of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, seems to be intensifying pressure on Moscow and reducing the activities of Russian diplomats in European countries. At the same time, the Europeans believe that this action will lead to the growing isolation of Russia in Europe and in the international arena.
Despite these perceptions, Moscow has taken a firm stand against the unfriendly actions of European countries. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Monday night that Russia would respond favorably to the expulsion of 30 Russian diplomats from France.
Related News:
France announces expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats
Evidence suggests that the US-led confrontation between Russia and the West will intensify in the near future and will cover many areas. If so far they have refused to impose a gas embargo on Russia because of European countries' need for Russian gas exports, but now with some countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia cutting off gas imports from Russia, the prospect of a Russian energy embargo is even closer to reality.
Meanwhile, European leaders, now under the pretext of the Bucha incident and accusing the Russian military of killing its residents, are more determined to intensify pressure on Moscow. In this regard, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a boycott of Russian oil and stone.
Related News:
Moscow: Bucha images released by West are conspiracy against Russia
Despite the concerted efforts of European countries in the diplomatic campaign with Russia, the European Union wants political and diplomatic channels with Moscow to remain open. "European countries must maintain diplomatic relations with Russia. If you want to solve the problem, you have to communicate with Putin," said Peter Stano, a spokesman for the union's foreign relations committee.
In fact, EU officials themselves are well aware that closing diplomatic channels with Russia will only lead to further misunderstandings on the one hand and escalation of tensions on the other.
Written by: Seyed Reza Mirtaher
216
Read more:
EU countries in disarray after Putin announces payment change in gas deal
US, NATO expansion, root of Ukraine crisis
