First cohort of Russian diplomats to depart Czech embassy
The first of two groups of Russian diplomatic mission staff will leave Russia’s Prague embassy today.
The departure marks the latest event in a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic maneuvers and a reset between the Czech Republic and Russia. In mid-April, 18 Russian embassy employees were expelled from Prague on the pretext of Russian involvement in the Vrbetice munitions depot explosion. Further, this past week the Czech Republic fired 71 Moscow embassy local staff to meet Russian embassy parity at seven diplomats, 25 staff and 19 locally hired embassy employees.
Relations between the Czech Republic—a former Soviet state—and Russia are spiraling downward. The Czech Republic is now attempting to send clear messaging on its geopolitical allegiance to the EU and NATO, but internal Czech politics are confounding its efforts.
President Milos Zeman has repeatedly downplayed Russian activities in the Vrbetice explosion and the annexation of Crimea, causing Western allies to question the Czech Republic’s allegiance. Even though a new Czech ruling coalition is a very likely outcome in October’s elections, Zeman is likely to remain in power. Expect protests and government disunity throughout the summer as the Czech Republic seeks to establish a pro-west narrative.
Wake up smarter with an assessment of the stories that will make headlines in the next 24 hours. Download The Daily Brief.
