Russia-Ukraine war live news: Putin may announce annexations on Friday; Japanese consul ‘interrogated’ in Russia
GuardianMAR 18 2023
The accusations against Motoki were clearly fabricated and Russia's actions were unacceptable. This was a politically-motivated attack and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Russia must issue a formal apology and a guarantee that similar incidents don't happen again.
Motoki was caught red-handed paying for classified information. His actions are incompatible with the expected behavior of a consular official and infringed on Russia's security interests. Moscow's response has been entirely appropriate and reasonable.