A Russian diplomat, who was forced to leave Brussels after being accused of working as a spy, is now being considered for a high-ranking security position in Serbia. The diplomat, who was among 20 Russians expelled from Belgium, has been nominated to lead an important European security mission in Serbia. His name also appears as a candidate for similar positions in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Despite being quietly recalled from Brussels in 2023 due to strong suspicions of espionage, Russia has now put his name forward for a leadership role in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). This is a major European security organization that works to maintain stability and peace in different countries. Documents reveal that this Russian diplomat has deep connections in the Balkans and has previously worked in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Intelligence reports suggest that he was linked to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), one of the country’s most secretive spy agencies. While he was not officially declared “persona non grata” (an unwanted person) in Belgium, authorities gave Russia an ultimatum—either recall him voluntarily or he would be expelled. Now, instead of fading into the background, he is trying to get back into a key security role that would put him in a position of influence once again.
Spy Accusations Rock Moscow as Russia Expels 2 British Diplomats
Expulsions and Russia’s Growing Influence
The diplomat was part of a larger group of Russian officials expelled from Belgium and the European Union due to allegations of spying. Western intelligence agencies believe that many of these diplomats were actually working undercover for Russian intelligence agencies, either gathering secret information or influencing local politics.
Among those expelled were individuals connected to the Russian military intelligence unit (GRU), which has been accused of carrying out cyberattacks, political sabotage, and even violent operations in Europe. Some of the expelled Russians were found to have ties to secretive Russian military units that specialize in electronic surveillance and nuclear security.
This crackdown was part of a broader European effort to weaken Russia’s intelligence network following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, more than 700 Russian diplomats have been removed from the United States and Europe. However, Russia has been accused of continuing its activities by sending dismissed diplomats to other countries, such as Serbia, where they can continue their work with fewer restrictions.
Covert Operations and Rising Threats
Western security experts have warned that Russia is changing its methods. Instead of relying on traditional spies, they are now recruiting people online and using criminals to carry out acts of sabotage. Recent reports from Germany suggest that Russian-linked operatives have been responsible for acts of vandalism disguised as environmental activism. Some of these incidents involved blocking car exhausts with hardening foam, damaging over 100 vehicles.
Shocking Spy Accusations: Croatia Denies Slovenia’s Allegations
In Poland, authorities claim that Russia has been plotting potential terror attacks, including attempts to disrupt air travel. Polish officials say there is strong evidence that Russian agents were planning to target airlines across Europe. Russia has denied all these accusations, calling them Western propaganda.
Russia’s Push for Influence in Security Organizations
Despite these warnings, Russia continues to push for its diplomats to be placed in important security positions across Europe and Central Asia. The OSCE, which is responsible for monitoring security situations and promoting peace, is now reviewing the Russian diplomat’s candidacy. If selected, he would oversee security operations in Serbia and possibly Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
The situation raises concerns about Russia’s ability to influence international security organizations. Western countries have accused Russia of using these organizations for its own benefit, blocking decisions that go against Moscow’s interests, and weakening efforts to monitor Russian aggression in Ukraine.
For now, the OSCE has stated that its selection process is still ongoing, and no final decision has been made. However, the fact that a suspected spy is even being considered for such an important role is already raising alarms in European security circles.
