IRIA News

5 minute read

The European Union has moved closer to approving new measures that would restrict the movements of Russian diplomats within the bloc, as part of its 19th package of sanctions against Moscow over the war in Ukraine. The response follows a surge in sabotage attempts that security agencies say are often led by spies operating under diplomatic cover.

The proposed rules, introduced by the European External Action Service (EEAS), would require Russian diplomatic and consular staff, including family members, to notify authorities before traveling between EU member states.

Under the draft proposal, Russian envoys would have to inform host nations at least 24 hours before their intended travel or transit through another EU country. The notification would include details on transport, entry and exit points, and travel dates.

Member states would retain the right to approve or deny passage. “It’s a step forward in the right direction,” said a senior EU diplomat. “It’s important to act now rather than to wait for something to happen.”

The measure is aimed at curbing alleged espionage and hybrid operations conducted under diplomatic cover. The EEAS argues that Russian diplomats have been “involved in activities that contribute to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, notably by spreading Russian rhetoric on the causes of the war” and engaging in “coordinated information manipulation and interference.”

Officials insist the proposal does not violate the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, as it would not restrict diplomats’ movement within their assigned country or prevent them from returning to Russia.

Czech Push for Bloc-Wide Controls

The initiative follows persistent pressure from the Czech Republic, which has repeatedly accused Russian operatives of interference and cyberattacks. Prague has already imposed a national ban on Russian diplomats lacking local accreditation.

“Sabotage operations are on the rise and we will not risk agents operating under diplomatic cover,” Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on social media. “We are setting an example for other countries, and I will continue to push for the most rigorous measures at the Schengen level. We will defend Czechia.”

Initially, several member states opposed such restrictions, arguing that maintaining channels of communication with Moscow was essential. However, that skepticism has largely diminished. EU diplomats say the measure now enjoys “broad support,” though it still requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states.

According to EU sources, Hungary, which had previously objected, has withdrawn its veto, clearing a major obstacle. Nonetheless, final agreement could be delayed by a dispute involving Austria, which is pushing for certain Russian assets linked to businessman interests to be unfrozen as part of the broader negotiations.

The proposal’s adoption would mean that Russian diplomats posted in any of the 25 Schengen member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, would lose their current ability to move freely across the zone. Instead, each trip would require prior authorization, potentially leading to uneven implementation depending on individual national policies.

Context of Espionage and Sanctions

The travel notification system represents a significant departure from past EU practice. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, numerous Russian diplomats have been expelled from European capitals over espionage allegations, prompting retaliatory expulsions by Moscow. Intelligence agencies have also warned that Russian missions continue to engage in sabotage and information operations targeting European infrastructure and elections.

“The EEAS has recognized that unrestricted movement gives room for malign activities,” an EU official familiar with the negotiations said. “We are closing that loophole.” The measure, if approved, would join other sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, finance, and technology exports, as the bloc seeks to maintain pressure on the Kremlin.

Russia’s Reaction

Moscow has condemned the plan. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned of reciprocal restrictions on EU diplomats, threatening to impose “hobbled” travel conditions in retaliation.

The diplomatic developments come as hostilities intensify between Russia and Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defense units destroyed 184 Ukrainian drones overnight, most of them over the border regions of Kursk and Belgorod. The strikes reportedly left two people dead and caused power outages affecting hundreds of residents.

On Monday, Moscow claimed to have intercepted 251 drones in one of Kyiv’s largest retaliatory attacks. Ukrainian officials have vowed to continue targeting Russian oil infrastructure, calling it a legitimate response to ongoing Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and power facilities. Both sides dispute casualty figures and the extent of damage.

The escalation highlights how little progress has been made toward de-escalation, despite ongoing sanctions and diplomatic pressure. EU diplomats say the new restrictions on Russian movements are intended to reinforce the bloc’s security posture amid mounting fears of espionage and hybrid threats.

Negotiations over the full sanctions package, which also includes measures to bring forward a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, are expected to continue this week. “Things are going quite well, but it’s not a done deal yet,” one EU diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

If approved, the new regime would represent the EU’s first collective effort to systematically monitor and limit Russian diplomatic travel, a symbolic and practical step underscoring the bloc’s growing resolve to confront Moscow’s influence operations within Europe.