Paranoia in Moscow: How Putin is persecuting Western diplomats

Lynne Tracy, former US ambassador to Moscow, described the role as the most difficult in her career. Western diplomats in Russia are subjected to surveillance, isolation, and pressure reminiscent of the Cold War, including listening devices, attempts to recruit staff, and intimidation of Russian citizens. Embassies face personnel shortages and operational difficulties due to sanctions.

Lynne Tracy, former US ambassador to Moscow, described her role as ambassador to Russia as the most difficult in her career, in an interview with the BBC. The article describes the new hostile reality for Western diplomats in Russia under Putin's government, who are defined as "unfriendly" and subjected to constant surveillance, isolation, and pressure reminiscent of the Cold War. Diplomats who served in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine described listening devices and cameras installed in their homes without their knowledge. A former ambassador said he was forced to fire two Russian employees after the FSB tried to recruit them. Russian citizens who maintain ties with Western figures suffer threats and intimidation. The hostility is also expressed at official events, when guests at the King's birthday celebration at the British embassy reported harassment and police investigations. Alongside the mental pressure, embassies face a severe shortage of personnel after the expulsion of hundreds of diplomats, and operational difficulties arising from economic sanctions, including the inability to pay salaries. Despite this, diplomats emphasize that their role has become more important than ever, and they constitute the last line of communication between Moscow and the West.