UWC vice president urges Europe to expel Russian diplomats used as intelligence operatives

European governments must act decisively to expel Russian diplomats who, under the guise of diplomatic services, are conducting espionage and influence operations on behalf of the Kremlin, said Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Vice President of the Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF).

Speaking with Kyiv 24 news channel, Kogutyak said that the majority of Russian diplomatic staff in Europe work directly for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) or other intelligence agencies, continuing a decades-long practice of embedding spies in embassies and consulates. 

“Every Russian diplomat in each embassy works directly for the FSB. In France, there are several hundred such individuals officially serving Russian intelligence. This is unacceptable, which is why we demand that they be expelled,” Kogutyak said.

Kogutyak warned that ongoing engagement between European officials and Russian diplomats offers Moscow additional channels to manipulate public discourse and gather intelligence, rather than fostering genuine diplomacy. 

“Europe is not neutral territory. Russian drones are already flying here, even near military bases. The focus should be on security, not negotiations,” Kogutyak said.

Russia has long used diplomatic missions as hubs for intelligence activity, a tactic that has prompted numerous mass expulsions across Europe since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Many of those expelled have later been confirmed by intelligence services to be undeclared agents of the FSB or GRU. 

He added that talks between European governments and Russian diplomats only create additional opportunities for the Kremlin to influence Europe. Instead of seeking “channels of communication” with Moscow, Europe should demonstrate strength and solidarity with Ukraine.

He also said that Russia exploits Europe’s open societies to amplify its propaganda and weaken unity on Ukraine. 

The Ukrainian community in France, he said, is calling on Paris to officially recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Such a designation would allow authorities to restrict the activities of pro-Russian politicians, bloggers, and organizers of Kremlin-backed rallies.

“We want France to finally take this step. It will allow us to hold accountable those who justify Russia’s aggression and undermine European unity,” Kogutyak said.