Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s answer to a media question in connection with Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden publishing materials on Russia’s intelligence activities

Question: The other day, the media in Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden published a number of materials on Russia’s intelligence activities and revealed the names of the Russian embassy employees who allegedly work for the intelligence agencies.

How does the Foreign Ministry assess these kinds of “revelations” by reporters? How will these revelations impact bilateral relations with these countries?

Maria Zakharova: Indeed, on April 19 television companies in Denmark (DR), Norway (NRK), Finland (YLE) and Sweden (SVT) aired the first story from the Scandinavian journalists’ The Shadow War pseudo-project. In fact, these are coordinated fake claims about “subversive activities” in the countries of Northern Europe that Russia has been allegedly carrying out for many years now.

In addition, a series of articles appeared in the print media of all the above countries claiming to be a “journalistic investigation.” In violation of the provisions of international law on the inviolability of private life, photo and video materials and the personal information of Russian foreign missions’ former and current employees were made public. Importantly, no evidence of the Russian diplomats’ allegedly illegal activities has been provided.

More episodes of similar “productions” are to come. Clearly, the governments are behind this provocation, since these broadcasters are closely connected with the state and are financed by the state, as are the special services of these countries and their overseas sponsors. In the absence of any compelling arguments, they are smearing any activity related to Russia and the professional activities of Russian diplomats.

Another surge in spy mania in the Nordic countries and their policy of demonising Russia is leading to irreparable damage to relations with our country. Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden have joined the countries that are hostile to Russia and are willing to go to any length in order to serve the hegemonic plans of the United States and their other senior allies.

We will continue to provide stern responses to such provocations. We will respond and show the role of these countries’ missions in Russia in violation of obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The facts abound.