Russia Will Respond To Restrictions On Its Diplomat Movements In The European Union

Illustration of the European Union. (Wikimedia Commons/Thijs ter Haar)

Russian Ambassador to France said on Thursday his country would take countermeasures after the European Union restricted the movement of Moscow diplomats within the bloc, but the steps taken would not affect ordinary travelers or tourism.

Russian Ambassador Alexey Meshkov told Rossiya-24 television station Moscow was preparing for its response ahead of the enactment of the European Union's new rules on January 25, 2026.

"Unlike the European Union, we are not at war with ordinary people. But, most likely, after restrictions on our movement were imposed on January 25, countermeasures will be taken," said Ambassador Meshkov, launching Anadolu (12/12).

"But it's not a deliberate reduction in travel. First of all, I want to emphasize that this does not affect tourism," he said.

Ambassador Meshkov argues the restriction is a political step rather than a security requirement, saying it would complicate the work of the Russian Embassy in all of the blocs.

Based on the steps included in the European Union's 19th sanction package, Russian diplomats will be restricted to their accredited state areas.

They must notify the authorities if they plan to visit or transit through other EU countries. Member states can also ask for permission first.

The European Union announced the new restrictions as part of broader sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The bloc said the steps taken were aimed at tightening supervision of Russian diplomatic activities.

Meanwhile, Moscow accused Brussels, where the EU headquarters is located, of politicizing routine diplomatic work.