Austria expels two more Russian diplomats

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared two personnel from the Russian Embassy in Vienna as persona non grata, mandating their departure from Austria by March 19.

The Ministry pointed to actions by these individuals deemed inconsistent with diplomatic status as the basis for this decision, a phrasing often associated with activities aligned with intelligence agencies.

In response, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced intentions to reciprocate with corresponding measures.

This move echoes prior diplomatic actions when in February 2023, Austria expelled four Russian diplomats for conduct incompatible with diplomatic norms. 

In April 2022, amidst global condemnation of the Russian military’s involvement in the mass killing of civilians in Bucha, Ukraine, four Russian diplomats departed Austria in line with coordinated expulsions by EU member states.