The government of North Macedonia has ordered the immediate expulsion of three more Russian diplomats. Since the war in Ukraine began, North Macedonia has on two occasions ordered the sack of Russian diplomats. The recent order is the third in a series of diplomatic moves by the country in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The country’s foreign affairs ministry has confirmed the order, noting that the ambassador of Russia, Sergey Bazdnikin, has been briefed on the decision.
According to the ministry, he was summoned to appear before top government officials at the ministry on Sept. 12, where he was informed that three officers of the embassy have been pronounced persona non grata and must leave North Macedonia immediately.
The ministry stated that the decision was taken based on an intelligence report it received about the activities of the embassy officers, which were considered alien to the provisions of the Vienna Convention for diplomatic relations.
North Macedonia has demonstrated its displeasure over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and usually deploys its diplomatic rights against Russia.
Earlier in 2003, eleven Russian diplomats were expelled between March and September, signaling North Macedonia’s unsettling posture towards Russia’s international politics and conduct.
North Macedonia perceives Russia as a hostile state whose presence threatens its existence as an independent Balkan state.
It joined the European Union (EU) in sanctioning Russia over its activities in Ukraine while at the same time seeking their support as an aspiring member state.
However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 prompted North Macedonia to prioritize its territorial defense interests.
It became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
