Question: A number of media outlets have reported that Russia has significantly reduced the staff of its embassy in Kiev and consulates General in Lviv, Odessa and Kharkiv. Is it true, and what is the reason for it?
Answer: As you remember, rumors about the alleged “evacuation” of Russian diplomats appeared in a number of Western publications, in particular, in The New York Times, almost a month ago during the Orthodox Christmas holidays, when several children of Russian diplomats in Ukraine went to visit their grandparents. As we now understand, the purpose of these “stuffing” was to create an information cover for the evacuation of diplomats and their families from their embassies in Ukraine by the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Canada and other countries. Israel announced the evacuation yesterday.
Taking into account the significant influence that Washington and London have on Kiev, and in general their role in managing the processes in Ukraine – which is only the pumping of “independent” weapons and instructors – we conclude that our American and British colleagues apparently know about certain military actions being prepared in Ukraine that can significantly complicate the security situation.
In this situation, fearing possible provocations by the Kiev regime or third countries, we really decided to optimize the staff of Russian foreign institutions in Ukraine. Please note that our embassy and consulates will continue to perform their main functions.
