Sweden considered the expulsion of Russian diplomats from the kingdom a “last resort” and refused to do so at the Czech Republic’s request. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of this country Ann Linde during the meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Brussels
The summit discussed, among other things, the diplomatic situation between the Czech Republic and Russia, as well as the possibility of expelling Russian diplomats from EU countries in solidarity with Prague.
“Sweden expressed its full support for the Czech Republic at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday. Russia’s actions are unacceptable and we are pleased that the EU has expressed full solidarity with the Czech Republic and strongly condemned Russia’s actions. Sweden has offered support to the Czech embassy in Moscow now that its staff has been reduced,” Swedish Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Andrea Römpke said.
As a reminder, the Czech Republic has accused Russian special services of involvement in the 2014 explosion at a munitions depot in Vrbetica. On 17 April, Czech First Deputy Prime Minister and Czech Foreign Minister Jan Gamachek announced the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats allegedly linked to intelligence and special services. In response, Russia declared 20 staff members of the Czech embassy persona non grata. The Czech Foreign Ministry later called on the countries of the European Union, the UK and the US to show “solidarity” and consider expelling the Russian diplomats.