Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially ended the terms of two ambassadors, Alexeï Mechkov in France and Andreï Keline in the UK, through decrees dated September 24 and 25, 2026. The move was announced through official Russian legal portals. Mechkov, who served as ambassador to France and Monaco since October 2017, was relieved of his duties on September 24.
The decree regarding Mechkov's removal was numbered 678 and noted the end of his term as ambassador to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco. Mechkov previously served as a vice-minister of foreign affairs for Russia, focusing on relations with European countries and cooperation with the European Union, OSCE, NATO, and the Council of Europe.
On September 25, Putin issued decree 679, ending Andreï Keline's term as ambassador to the UK. Keline had been serving in this position since November 5, 2019. He had announced earlier in July 2026 that he would be completing his mission soon. Officially, his term ended on July 21, 2026, and the diplomatic mission in London has since been led by chargé d'affaires Vassili Tsyganov.
The reasons behind the sudden removal of the ambassadors were not specified in the decrees. These changes occur against the backdrop of strained relations between Russia and several European governments, particularly since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. The European Union has maintained sanctions against Russia, which were recently extended until July 31, 2027.
The relationship between Moscow and London remains particularly tense. On September 18, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the British chargé d'affaires in Moscow to protest the UK's military support for Ukraine. These diplomatic shifts happen as Russia faces increased isolation and criticism from European nations.
The removals of Mechkov and Keline might indicate a reorganization of Russia's diplomatic strategy in Europe. While Mechkov's departure was unexpected, Keline's had been anticipated since his announcement in July. The current chargé d'affaires in London, Vassili Tsyganov, will likely play a crucial role until a new ambassador is appointed.
As tensions persist between Russia and European countries, further developments in diplomatic relations are expected. The EU's recent 21st package of sanctions, introduced in July 2026, targets key sectors such as energy, finance, and technology exports. Russia's diplomatic efforts in Europe will likely continue to face challenges in the near future.
Key points
- The removals of the ambassadors were made through decrees issued on consecutive days by President Vladimir Putin.
- The decisions come amid strained relations between Russia and several European governments, particularly the UK and France.
- The reasons for the removals were not specified in the official decrees.
