Exclusive: Russian diplomats quietly leave Brussels, as Germany shuts another consulate over Leipzig plot

Russia has quietly sent home some 20 diplomats from Brussels, in line with European demands – and without taking revenge on the EU mission in Moscow. “The Russian mission to the EU has complied on time with our decision to cap its maximum size to 40 people, excluding the head of mission,” said EU foreign affairs spokesman Christian Wigand on Tuesday (1 September). EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas had given Russia’s acting head of mission Karen Malayan until 1 September to make the cuts, on grounds of Russia’s “abuse of diplomatic power” and the need for closer parity with Kallas’ mission in Moscow. The “abuse” refers to Russia sending hundreds of alleged spies to Europe under diplomatic cover. The Russian mission to the EU used to have some 60 diplomats and technical staff before the cuts, while the EU embassy in Moscow had about 10 diplomats, according to EUobserver’s sources. Previous rounds of Russian diplomat expulsions from the EU (including 68 from Belgium) had prompted retaliatory Russian measures. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login