By Friday, among the EU member states, only Malta, Cyprus and Hungary had so far declined to send any Russian “diplomats” packing. It raises questions, for instance, why 290 Russian diplomats will still be operating in neutral Austria even after the foreign ministry, following days of hesitation, expelled four diplomats. Stanisław Żaryn, spokesperson for Poland’s minister for the special services coordinator, announces the expulsion of 45 Russian diplomats on 23 March. Luxembourg expelled only one Russian, but since there were only three Russian diplomats, it was more than symbolic. Even in neutral Ireland, there has been a change in perspective about the 31 Russian diplomats operating in the country.

Source: The Guardian April 16, 2022 07:37 UTC