Europe vs. Russia battle, poisoned spy episode: EU recalls ambassador from Moscow

The European Union has recalled its ambassador from Moscow after leaders on the continent interfered with Theresa May’s position over the Salisbury attack. Several EU member states were poised to announce expulsions of diplomats, in the attempt to tear apart Vladimir Putin’s spy network, according to The Guardian.

Following a summit in Brussels to discuss the response to the Salisbury agent attack, EU leaders interfered with the prime minister by adopting a statement saying that “highly likely Russia is responsible” for poisoning Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia.

Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, tweeted that all leaders agreed Russia’s responsibility for the attack was highly likely.

British diplomats believe that a strong message of solidarity with the UK, from Russia’s closest European neighbours, will hit home with President Putin.

France, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are understood to be considering expelling Russian diplomats, as requested by the UK government, in a coordinated strike against Moscow.

On Thursday night the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, said the EU ambassador to Russia was being recalled to consult with Brussels over the Salisbury attack.

EU leaders discussed their response to the Salisbury poisoning over a European council summit dinner in Brussels. The UK prime minister told her fellow leaders the attack formed part of a long-term pattern of behaviour by Russia, and urged them to present a united front.