Arthur De Laborde, edited by Juline Garnier 07:34, April 05, 2022
While the Europeans are trying to agree to increase the sanctions against Russia, France has announced the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats.
According to information from Europe 1, these are agents belonging to the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU, who will be forced to leave French territory.
The Boutcha massacre decided the Europeans to take a fifth set of sanctions against Russia.
These new economic retaliation measures could be decided on Wednesday by the European Union.
Faced with the war in Ukraine, France has already announced the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats whose activities are “contrary” to the interests of the country.
According to information from Europe 1, some of the people targeted are suspected of belonging to the GRU.
This is the Russian military intelligence service whose members enjoy diplomatic cover.
As a reminder, the GRU was allegedly involved in the assassination attempt on ex-double agent Sergei Skripal in the south of England in 2018.
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A European approach
These expulsions take place within the framework of a European approach, specifies the Quai d'Orsay.
Berlin has also announced the expulsion of 40 constituent diplomats, who would represent “a threat to those who seek protection with us”.
Indeed, 300,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently hosted by Germany.
Similar measures have been taken in other countries: Ireland, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
Finally, Lithuania announced the expulsion of the Russian ambassador to the country.