AndyRussian invasion of Ukraine
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Has anyone noticed that Russia has spent several days pondering its response to the British government decision to deport four of it’s embassy staff?
I’m beginning to suspect that, for once, Russia is playing the game of international opinion with some aplomb.
Someone in the Kremlin must have noticed that international support for Britain’s action has been somewhat muted. There seems to be a fairly widespread (although admittedly not universal) perception that Britain has acted hastily and disproportionately by launching into the ‘diplomatic expulsions game’ without a real strategy in mind, and I think that the Russian government may have realised that, by playing it cool, they can seem to be the country that is acting maturely, responsibly, and can hang on to the moral high ground.
If I were the Russian government, after a few days I’d strongly condemn the British actions, then go on to tell the world that tit for tat expulsions of diplomats is a petty game that Russia just won’t play. Stress the fact that, regardless of the possible merits of the British case against Andrei Lugovoi, the Russian government has acted entirely properly under its constitution. And then move on to some other news story.
Sadly, the Russian government isn’t known for its ability to grasp the bigger picture. Nor is it known for taking my advice…
Having had experience with the Russian foreign affairs ministry I must say there are plenty of rational and professional diplomats there who will do what you have suggested… aka the right thing
But foreign policy in Russia can be dictated from various sources. The Russian bombers near British airspace are just an example of that.
Couldn’t agree more, Andy, although I think that the relative Russian silence is partly intended to make Britain sweat a bit.
You’re right Andy the Russians have got it spot on. If I were them, I’d make no response – I mean no retaliation. There’s no better way to look cool than be above it all and dont respond.
I think they were just gathering the information on the British diplomats that they wished to give the boot.
We know now they have responded tit-for-tat .. at least for now.
These moves aren’t indicative of a friendly environment. Simultaneously, both sides (Russian and British) recognize that such manner should be kept within certain limits.