EU Instructs to Avoid Russian Diplomats in Geneva

The European External Action Service (EEAS) has sent "instructions for avoiding contact with Russian diplomats" to permanent missions of UN member states in Geneva. This was reported to RIA Novosti by a diplomatic source.

According to the source, the instructions were initially sent to the EU's permanent representation to the UN in Geneva, which then disseminated them to other missions.

The EEAS document contains guidelines on how to interact with Russian diplomats. Specifically, it recommends avoiding events attended by Russian diplomats and, if present at such an event, advises against being seen with them in front of cameras.

The source notes that this is the second similar document distributed by the EEAS. It was also mentioned that staff of Russian diplomatic missions have already felt the effects of this policy. Reports indicate that during meetings they have ceased to be offered handshakes, and in some cases have even been asked to leave events organized by other diplomatic missions.