The EU does not plan any further deportation of Russians

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The European Union does not want to further increase tensions in relations with Moscow by expelling other Russian diplomats. After Monday's meeting of the foreign ministers of the bloc member states, the head of the EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, told reporters. According to him, the EU still clearly stands behind the Czech Republic in its dispute with Moscow caused by the Vrbětice case.

The Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek informed about the development of his colleague, who reiterated Prague's request for the solidary expulsion of other Russians from EU countries. According to Kulhánek, this is not completely out of the question, and the EU summit in two weeks should have an important say.

The European bloc's foreign policy coordinator said, we must seek clear support, but at the same time try not to increase tensions, Borrell said, adding that the presidents and prime ministers of member states, who plan a broader debate on future relations with Russia on May 25, can say a keyword for further development. Until then, however, there is no further escalation on the agenda by expelling diplomats.

Relations between Prague and Moscow intensified in mid-April following the publication of the conclusions of the Czech secret services, according to which the explosion that killed two people in Vrbětice in 2014 was caused by Russian military intelligence GRU. The Czechia then decided to expel dozens of people from the Russian embassy and compare its situation with the Czech embassy in Moscow. In solidarity with him, several Russians also expelled Slovakia and the Baltic states. Moscow responded with a reciprocal statement. Several other countries offered other diplomatic support to Prague. Borrell has previously strongly condemned the Russian attack on behalf of all countries, and the EU has stood up for the Czechia.