Poland Expels 45 Russian Diplomats as Suspected Spies

MAR 23 2022·Updated DEC 19 2022

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Image credit: AP

The Facts

Poland ordered the expulsion of 45 Russian diplomats on Wed. after its internal security service, the ABW, accused them of using their diplomatic status to spy in the country.
ABC News
Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski confirmed the move via Twitter after the ABW sent the list to the Foreign Ministry and called for the expulsions earlier in the day.
Al Jazeera
Lukasz Jasina, a spokesman for Poland's Foreign Ministry, said the Russians were given five days to leave the country, except for a particularly dangerous individual who must leave within 48 hours.
wapo
Russian Ambassador to Poland Sergey Andreyev denied that the individuals were spies, stating it was ordinary diplomatic staff that were affected. He said Russia would expel Polish diplomats in reciprocity.
TASS
The move comes as Pres. Joe Biden prepares to visit Poland on Fri. during a trip to Europe where he will meet with leaders of the EU, the G7 nations and members of the NATO alliance.
wapo

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The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

Russia is violating the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations by giving diplomatic status to individuals working as intelligence officers in Poland. Given that Russia is a direct threat and has shown what it's capable of in Ukraine, these measures are necessary.

Polska Agencja Prasowa SA