The Belarusian authorities have chosen to cut the number of Ukrainian diplomats stationed in Belarus and to shut down the Ukrainian consulate general in Brest. This step was announced by the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has been reported by major news agencies, including TASS. The move signals a shift in diplomatic staffing and signals a desire to restructure Belarus’ diplomatic footprint with Ukraine in light of evolving regional tensions.
According to Anatoly Glaz, a spokesperson for the ministry, several Ukrainian diplomats were offered the option to depart the Minsk embassy within 72 hours. Belarus intends to maintain a compact embassy presence that includes the ambassador and four staff members under a described 1+4 format. This approach suggests a selective downsizing intended to focus on core diplomatic functions while reducing non-diplomatic activities tied to other personnel on the ground.
The ministry framed the decision as a means to halt what it described as non-diplomatic activities conducted by a segment of Ukrainian personnel. Such wording points to concerns about actions outside the formal channels of diplomacy, though the specifics of the activities were not disclosed publicly. The move reflects a broader pattern in regional diplomacy where states reassess personnel allocations and prioritize clear, formal channels for political outreach and consular services.
Earlier, reports indicated that Poland had decided to expel 45 Russian diplomats. Russian officials noted that this measure would be met with a response, outlining plans to identify Polish diplomats who would be subject to deportation in retaliation. The unfolding exchanges underscore how diplomatic expulsions and countermeasures can become a component of wider geopolitical signaling among neighboring states in Eastern Europe.
In this climate, Belarus’ actions compound a tense environment for regional diplomacy. The strategic impact includes a reevaluation of how each country manages its foreign missions and how consular access is prioritized during periods of heightened political friction. Observers note that such moves can affect not only bilateral relations but also regional cooperation on security, trade, and people-to-people exchanges as governments navigate competitive narratives and preserve essential diplomatic channels in a changing strategic landscape.