Russia has demanded an official apology from Poland and threatened future retaliation after Moscow’s ambassador to Warsaw was painted pink by protesters.
Russian Ambassador Sergey Andreev was jostled, pink paint splashes by opponents of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine as he tries to put flowers on the Soviet Military Cemetery in Warsaw on Monday.
Video clips posted on social media confirmed the ambassador surrounded and painted within the face at an occasion to mark Victory Day, a Russian vacation marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
Polish police then helped the ambassador depart the scene safely.
“Russia expects an official apology from the Polish management in reference to the incident and requests to make sure the protection of the Russian ambassador and all staff of Russia’s overseas missions in Poland,” the ministry stated. Russian Overseas Affairs stated on Wednesday.
“Choices on subsequent steps can be taken relying on Warsaw’s response to our requests.”
Polish Ambassador to Moscow Krzysztof Krajewski has been summoned to the ministry to obtain a request for an apology.
Krajewski stated he reacted to the ministry by echoing the phrases of Poland’s overseas minister, who known as the incident “very reprehensible” and may by no means have occurred given the protected standing of diplomats ship.
Polish Overseas Minister Zbigniew Rau stated that authorities had warned the Russian ambassador that going to the cemetery risked upsetting incidents, in response to state information company PAP.
“Nevertheless, what has occurred doesn’t change our place that diplomatic representatives overseas are entitled to safety… even when we really feel the necessity to disagree with authorities coverage with out consultant diplomat,” Rau is quoted as saying. sayings.
In an obvious retaliation, pink paint was splattered throughout the doorway to the Polish Embassy in Moscow on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Polish Overseas Ministry stated. The ministry stated a board with the Polish coat of arms on the entrance to the embassy had been repainted.
Historically, bilateral relations between Moscow and Warsaw have been strained since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which borders Poland. The Polish authorities has urged powerful worldwide sanctions, together with a ban on Russian power sources.
Greater than three million Ukrainians fled to Poland, and Warsaw expelled 45 Russian diplomats, resulting in a tit-for-tat response from Moscow.
