EU Diplomat Attacked in Vladivostok: Concerns Rise Over Safety and Security

Last month, a Romanian diplomat working for the EU was assaulted during a professional trip to Vladivostok, according to a report by the German news site Der Spiegel, which cited unnamed diplomats familiar with the situation.

The diplomat, who has not been publicly named, was apparently threatened and attacked by two men in a vehicle while she was out for a morning stroll on May 26. She was in Vladivostok alongside a French colleague to visit the consulates of EU member states.

Russian state media, which covered the diplomat’s visit at the time, identified her as 33-year-old Eveline Ioana Mărășoiu. Local media shared videos showing journalists and pro-Kremlin activists greeting Mărășoiu upon her arrival at the airport, holding signs that read «The EU funds the murder of Russians» and subjecting her to harassment.

EU diplomats who spoke to Der Spiegel expressed strong suspicions that the attackers might have been affiliated with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), although their exact identities remain unknown.

It is currently unclear if Russian law enforcement has initiated an investigation into the assault.

The diplomat has since departed from Russia, and Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu stated that she is «safe and in good health in Brussels.»

EU ambassadors reportedly convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the potential consequences of the incident for diplomatic activities in Russia.

According to Der Spiegel, Brussels has requested clarification from Russia’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov, regarding the incident.

«We strongly condemn any acts of violence against EU diplomats. They should be able to perform their duties without fear or intimidation,» stated Anitta Hipper, the lead spokesperson for EU security.

«The safety of our personnel is of utmost importance, and we will continue to assess the protection measures for our diplomatic staff,” she added.