Russia's ambassador to Copenhagen, Vladimir Barbin, reported on 20/1 in an interview with TASS that the Russian embassy in Denmark is operating under significant obstacles and pressure from Danish authorities, describing the situation as "de facto isolated."

According to Barbin, the Danish government's actions have compelled the Russian diplomatic mission to reduce its staff significantly, leading to the closure of its trade office. Furthermore, activities at the Russian Science and Culture Center have been restricted.

Russia's ambassador to Copenhagen, Vladimir Barbin. Photo: TASS

In 2023, the Danish Foreign Ministry requested Russia to reduce the number of diplomatic staff at its Copenhagen embassy. This followed Denmark's forced reduction of diplomatic personnel at its Moscow embassy, after the two nations failed to agree on visa issuance for Danish diplomats.

Barbin stated that routine operations, such as applying for and renewing diplomatic documents for embassy staff, utilizing banking services, and facility maintenance, have become extremely challenging.

"Copenhagen's Mayor's Office is threatening to revoke the land where the embassy is situated," Barbin disclosed.

The Russian embassy in Copenhagen is located at 5 Kristianiagade, in the Indre Østerbro district of Copenhagen. It stands as one of Denmark's most impressive diplomatic buildings. The structure was originally a historic mansion known as Otto Mønsted Palace, built on a plot of land measuring approximately 2,000-2,500 square meters.

The Russian embassy building in Copenhagen. Photo: Russian Embassy in Denmark

The ambassador added that Copenhagen's increasingly confrontational stance toward Moscow makes maintaining normal bilateral relations between the two countries impossible.

The Danish Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Ambassador Barbin's statements.

In 9/2025, Denmark announced it would acquire its first long-range precision weapons "in light of Russia posing a threat for years to come." Days later, a series of Danish airports and military bases reported detecting unidentified drones. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suspected Russia was behind the incidents.

The Russian embassy in Denmark denied the accusations, describing the incident as a "staged provocation" aimed at escalating tensions. It called speculations about Moscow's involvement in the unidentified drones "absurd."

By Duc Trung (According to TASS, Moscow Times, AFP)