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EU summons Russian envoy after diplomat assaulted in Vladivostok, seeks clarification
The European Union has summoned Russia's envoy to Brussels for an explanation after one of the bloc's officials was attacked in the eastern city of Vladivostok last month read more
The European Union has summoned Russia's representative to Brussels after an EU diplomat was assaulted last month in Vladivostok, the bloc's spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident took place on May 26, though the EU has withheld the diplomat's identity and nationality. According to German news outlet Der Spiegel, the victim was a Romanian official on an assignment to the Russian Far East city.
The German outlet reported that the woman was attacked during an early morning walk after two men emerged from a car, threatened her and then physically assaulted her. The attackers are believed to be linked to Russian security services, the report said, citing EU diplomatic sources.
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Der Spiegel said that the woman was attacked after leaving her hotel for an early morning walk. It said a car pulled up alongside her, and that two men got out. She was threatened, and then beaten up. The men were believed to work for Russian security authorities, the news magazine said, citing EU diplomatic sources.
'We condemn any violence against EU diplomats. They must be able to carry out their duties free from fear and intimidation,' EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said. 'The safety of our staff is paramount, and we will continue to review the protection of our diplomatic staff.'
Russia's representative in Brussels was summoned 'for clarifications.' No further details were provided.
With inputs from agencies
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