Russia has asked the Czech Republic to ensure security during the upcoming elections
The Russian Federation has reached out to the Czech Republic and other European states with an official request to ensure security during the upcoming presidential elections. Russian authorities want host countries to take the necessary measures to protect Russian diplomatic missions, where Russian citizens living abroad will be able to cast their votes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic has confirmed that it received the request. According to the ministry's statement, ensuring the security of diplomatic missions is a standard obligation of the state, which stems from international conventions, specifically the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The Czech police will therefore have to increase surveillance in the vicinity of the Russian embassy in Prague and other consular offices.
However, the situation surrounding Russian elections abroad is complicated this year. Given the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine and tense diplomatic relations between Moscow and many European capitals, there are concerns about potential protests. Czech authorities are therefore carefully evaluating security risks to prevent any incidents that could disrupt public order.
In addition to the Czech Republic, Russia has addressed similar requests to other European Union countries. In many of them, however, there is a debate about whether elections at Russian embassies should be permitted at all, or how they should be approached. Individual national governments are now seeking a balance between adhering to diplomatic protocols and their political stance toward the Russian leadership.
It is expected that the Czech side will proceed in accordance with the law and standard security protocols while ensuring security. The goal is to ensure that there is no threat to persons or property, while maintaining calm in the vicinity of diplomatic buildings. The Ministry of the Interior and the police will continue to monitor the development of the situation until the end of the election process.