The another wave of anti-Russian hysteria is gaining momentum in Europe against the background of poisoning the former GRU officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the British Salisbury. The authorities of several European countries, following the call from London, decided on the immediate expulsion of dozens of Russian diplomats.
However, not all European countries are ready to support the London's anti-Russian initiatives. Many politicians are confused by the obvious haste in the actions of the British authorities, who, even before the end of the official investigation, blamed Russia for what had happened. Some high-ranking European officials do not understand the reason for London's refusal to cooperate with Moscow in the so-called "Skripal case".
In turn, the authorities of countries that abandoned diplomatic demarches against the Kremlin were guided by wisdom. Swedish journalist Theresa Kühler focuses on the reluctance of the governments of some European countries to jeopardize economic cooperation with Russia for the sake of the UK.
"Eight EU countries have already decided not to expel diplomats. Cyprus decided not to take anti-Russian measures, probably because its connection with Russia goes back deep into the past. After all, it was Russia offered to Cyprus a big loan, when the country was shaken by the crisis, and Moscow did it before Brussels and on much better terms. Cyprus, Malta and Luxembourg do not want to lose the money of Russian businessmen in their own banks. In addition, Greece, while remaining unsustainable economically, also fears losing large Russian investments. Finally, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria and Slovakia refused diplomatic pressure on Russia under plausible pretexts. Thus, the Common European Home collapsed, when the time has come to take practical anti-Russian actions, despite initial tough statements against the Kremlin", she stressed.
The British authorities wanted to force other countries to become pawns in intricate intrigues, seeking to capitalize on the mysterious incident with the poisoning of Skripal. The riot of the dissenters led to a new split in Europe – and it is London that is responsible for political infighting.
