Journalists spoke to five diplomats who have worked in Russia in recent years, and the officials complained of total surveillance and pressure while working in Moscow.
As the BBC reports, the diplomats compare the current level of pressure to the Cold War era. According to the officials, Russia’s FSB installs cameras and listening devices in staff accommodation and also tries to recruit local employees.
In addition to surveillance, Western missions have faced serious day-to-day and financial difficulties. Following mass expulsions of diplomats, a ban on hiring Russians and the disconnection of Russian banks from the SWIFT system, embassy staff have had to deal with practical problems themselves and find cash to pay salaries.
Because of intimidation by the Russian security services, local academics and cultural figures have almost stopped communicating with foreign representatives. Guests at diplomatic events are harassed by pro-Kremlin activists, and the police carry out interrogations. Against this backdrop of psychological pressure, some embassy staff are resigning from the service.
Despite the complete lack of contacts between governments at the highest level, diplomats consider their presence in Russia important. They stress that it is precisely in such crisis periods that their work remains the only way to convey their countries’ positions.