Moscow/Paris — A fresh diplomatic row has erupted as Russia strongly condemned France on Wednesday for the brief detention of a Russian government employee at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, calling it a “shameful spectacle” that further strains relations between the two nations.
According to Moscow, the unnamed employee from Russia’s foreign ministry had traveled to France on April 6 as part of an official delegation. Despite holding a valid French visa, she was reportedly held for several hours by French border police, who confiscated her phone and computer.
The individual was eventually released, and her belongings were returned, but Russia expressed outrage over the incident.
“What happened… has no explanation,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova during a press briefing.
“Our diplomat had to wait seven hours to gain access to their colleague. We do not intend to leave this without consequences.”
France Responds, Russia Summons Ambassador
The French Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident and stated that the employee was given consular protection in line with the Vienna Convention. French officials also acknowledged having discussed the matter with Russian authorities on Tuesday.
Despite this, the Kremlin labeled the detention “totally unacceptable” and warned it would “further aggravate” bilateral ties. Russia responded swiftly by sending a note of protest and summoning the French ambassador in Moscow.
Relations at a Boiling Point
Tensions between Russia and France have been simmering ever since the Ukraine war began more than three years ago. Both nations have expelled dozens of diplomats, and Russian state rhetoric has increasingly turned its fire toward European leaders—especially French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron recently accused Moscow of using stalling tactics after it dismissed a US-Ukrainian ceasefire proposal. France has also floated the idea of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine, a move Russia strongly opposes.
Adding fuel to the fire, Russia is currently detaining French researcher Laurent Vinatier—accused of violating laws related to “foreign agents”—which Paris has labeled “arbitrary.”
