Expulsion of Russian Diplomats on March 26, 2018
On March 26, 2018, a significant diplomatic action took place involving the United States and several European countries, which collectively expelled Russian diplomats. This coordinated move was a response to the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia Skripal, in Salisbury, United Kingdom, earlier that month. The attack was attributed to Russia, leading to widespread international condemnation.
Background
- Sergei Skripal: A former Russian military officer and double agent for the British intelligence services, Skripal was living in the UK after being part of a spy swap in 2010.
- Poisoning Incident: On March 4, 2018, Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury. They were poisoned with a nerve agent identified as Novichok, a substance developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
- UK’s Response: The UK government, led by Prime Minister Theresa May, accused Russia of being behind the attack, citing the use of a military-grade nerve agent and Russia’s history of state-sponsored assassinations.
Diplomatic Expulsions
- United States: The U.S. expelled 60 Russian diplomats, including 12 identified as intelligence officers from Russia’s mission to the United Nations. This was one of the largest expulsions of Russian diplomats in U.S. history.
- European Countries: More than 20 European countries, including Germany, France, and Poland, joined the UK in expelling Russian diplomats. The European Union expressed solidarity with the UK, emphasizing the need for a collective response to the attack.
- NATO’s Involvement: NATO also took action by expelling seven Russian diplomats and reducing the size of the Russian mission to the alliance.
Broader Context and Consequences
- International Solidarity: The coordinated expulsions demonstrated a rare moment of unity among Western nations in response to what was perceived as a blatant violation of international norms.
- Russia’s Denial: Russia denied any involvement in the poisoning and retaliated by expelling diplomats from the countries that had taken action against it.
- Impact on Relations: The incident further strained relations between Russia and the West, contributing to an already tense geopolitical climate marked by issues such as the annexation of Crimea and Russian interference in foreign elections.
Aftermath
- Skripals’ Recovery: Both Sergei and Yulia Skripal eventually recovered from the poisoning after extensive medical treatment.
- Ongoing Investigations: The UK and its allies continued to investigate the incident, focusing on the broader implications of chemical weapons use and state-sponsored attacks.
The expulsion of Russian diplomats in March 2018 marked a significant moment in international diplomacy, highlighting the challenges of addressing state-sponsored actions and the importance of international cooperation in upholding global security norms.
