Denmark orders Russia to cut embassy staff in Copenhagen

Denmark has decided to limit the number of Russian diplomats allowed at the embassy in Copenhagen and administrative personnel on 20, forcing Moscow to cut its staff, the Danish Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday.

The decision to have the same number of employees at the respective embassies means that the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen should reduce its current staff”, the Danish ministry announced, saying the decision must be implemented by 29 September.

It is not clear how many diplomats and other employees will have to leave the Russian Embassy.

Denmark and Russia have long held visa-related negotiations for employees at the Danish Embassy in Moscow, with the aim of a good functioning of embassies in both Denmark and Russia, the ministry said.

“Negotiations have not led to results due to repeated Russian efforts to include Russian intelligence workers in visa requirements as part of these negotiations”, the Danish ministry said in a statement. / VOA