Western diplomats in Moscow are facing intense surveillance and pressure, with many comparing their experiences to the Cold War era.
What happened
According to diplomats who have served in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they are under constant surveillance, isolated, and increasingly cut off from the country they were sent to understand. They report being monitored through physical surveillance, listening devices, and other tactics. Many have been declared persona non grata, and embassies have been left short-staffed.
Former US Ambassador Lynne Tracy described her time in Moscow as the hardest assignment of her career, citing high levels of uncertainty and constant pressure from Russian counterintelligence. Other diplomats have reported similar experiences, including being forced to dismiss Russian employees who were tried to be recruited by the FSB, and being harassed by pro-Kremlin activists and state-media journalists.
Russians who would ordinarily build relationships with diplomatic staff are also being intimidated into avoiding contact with Western officials. This has made it difficult for diplomats to do their jobs and has driven some to quit. Despite the challenges, many diplomats believe that their work is more important than ever, and that they play a crucial role in maintaining communication between their governments and Moscow.
