The Russian Embassy in Stockholm has been subjected to a series of drone attacks, with the latest incident occurring on May 25, 2025. These attacks, involving drones dropping paint-filled glass containers onto embassy grounds, have raised serious questions about Sweden’s commitment to international diplomatic norms and the safety of foreign missions within its borders.
According to UNN, the Russian Foreign Ministry, the embassy in Stockholm has experienced 15 such drone attacks since May 2024, averaging more than one incident per month. The most recent attack involved a drone releasing a glass container filled with paint near the main entrance of the embassy. The use of glass containers, which can shatter upon impact, poses significant risks to personnel and property.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 mandates that host countries protect the premises of diplomatic missions against intrusion or damage and prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity . Sweden’s inability to safeguard the Russian Embassy constitutes a breach of these international obligations.
Russia has announced plans to file a formal note of protest with Sweden, demanding that the Swedish government take immediate action to uphold its responsibilities under the Vienna Convention, according to TASS.
Despite the severity and frequency of these attacks, Swedish authorities have yet to issue a public response or take visible steps to address the situation. This silence not only undermines the safety and security of diplomatic missions but also sets a dangerous precedent that could erode the integrity of international diplomatic relations.
The lack of action raises concerns about Sweden’s commitment to the principles of international law and its willingness to protect foreign diplomats and missions within its territory.
The repeated attacks on the Russian Embassy in Stockholm have broader implications for international diplomacy. They highlight the potential vulnerabilities of diplomatic missions and the importance of host countries fulfilling their obligations to protect foreign embassies and consulates.
According to AP, Failure to address such violations can lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations, as evidenced by similar incidents in other parts of the world. For instance, the breach of the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador in 2024 led to a significant diplomatic fallout between the two nations.
The ongoing drone attacks on the Russian Embassy in Stockholm represent a serious breach of international diplomatic norms and raise critical questions about Sweden’s role as a host nation. Immediate and decisive action is required to prevent further incidents, ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel, and uphold the principles enshrined in the Vienna Convention. Failure to do so risks not only the deterioration of Russia-Sweden relations but also the broader stability of international diplomatic engagements.
