Austria expels two Russian diplomats for actions ‘incompatible with status’, Austria has expelled two Russian diplomats for actions “incompatible with their diplomatic status,” according to the country’s Foreign Ministry. This move comes after the country initially hesitated to take such action but has recently expelled more Russian diplomats. Austria, a European Union member that has a policy of military neutrality, hosts several U.N. agencies in its capital of Vienna.
The two diplomats have been declared “personae non gratae” and ordered to leave the country within a week. This brings to 11 the number of Russian diplomats Austria has expelled since 2020 in four separate rounds. The previous expulsions were carried out in April and February of 2022. The latest expulsion comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine and other geopolitical issues.
Diplomatic Expulsion
Austria has expelled two Russian diplomats from the Russian embassy in Vienna for actions that were deemed “incompatible with their diplomatic status”. The diplomats were declared “personae non gratae” and were given a week to leave the country. This decision was made after Austria initially hesitated to take such action, but has recently expelled more Russian diplomats .
Reasons for Expulsion
The Austrian Foreign Ministry did not provide specific details about the actions that led to the expulsion of the two Russian diplomats. However, it was made clear that their actions were not in line with their diplomatic status . Austria’s policy of military neutrality and its hosting of several U.N. agencies in its capital of Vienna may have played a role in the decision to expel the diplomats .
Russian Diplomats Identified
The names of the two Russian diplomats who were expelled from Austria have not been made public. However, it is known that both diplomats were from the Russian embassy in Vienna . Russia has vowed to respond to Austria’s decision to expel the diplomats in a “timely” manner .
This recent diplomatic expulsion follows Austria’s previous expulsion of four Russian diplomats in April 2022 and another four in February 2024. The reasons for these expulsions were also not made public .
International Reactions
EU and Global Response
The European Union (EU) has expressed support for Austria’s decision to expel the two Russian diplomats. The EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Peter Stano, stated that the decision was a clear message to Russia that its behavior was unacceptable and that the EU stood in solidarity with Austria .
The United States also expressed support for Austria’s decision. According to a statement from the US Department of State, “We stand with Austria and other partners in calling out Russia’s unacceptable behavior and continuing to hold Russia accountable for its reckless actions”.
Russia’s Response
Russia has condemned Austria’s decision to expel the two diplomats and has vowed to retaliate. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the move “unfriendly and groundless” and accusing Austria of “yielding to the pressure of the United States and other countries”.
In addition, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Austria of “dancing to the tune of Washington” and warned that Russia would take “reciprocal measures”. However, it is unclear what form these measures will take.
Overall, the international community’s response to Austria’s decision to expel the two Russian diplomats has been mixed, with some countries expressing support and others condemning the move.
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