The Kremlin warned Tuesday that it would take retaliatory measures if the European Union implemented its plan to limit the travel of Russian diplomats within the bloc. Moscow denounced the move as "unfriendly" and would further exacerbate tensions between Russia and European countries.
According to several European diplomats cited by Reuters, EU member states are moving closer to an agreement to impose new travel restrictions on Russian officials as part of a tougher stance toward Moscow. However, no official decision has yet been taken.
"If these measures are adopted, there will of course be a response. It will be appropriate to the situation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in comments reported by Russian media. He added that Russia viewed the talks as further evidence of "persistent Russophobia" within the European Union.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, diplomatic relations between Moscow and Brussels have deteriorated significantly. The European Union has expelled dozens of Russian diplomats, imposed multiple sanctions, and restricted official exchanges.
If confirmed, this measure would add to a series of initiatives already taken by certain member states, aimed at limiting the movements of Russian diplomats to the area where their diplomatic mission is located.
