Russian Embassy Staffer Continues Squatting on Site After Australia Evicts Russia for Security Reasons

Russian Embassy Staffer Squats on Construction Site in Canberra After Eviction

RIGA, Latvia — A Russian embassy staffer has been squatting for days on the planned construction site of a new embassy building in Canberra, the Australian capital, after the government last week evicted Russia from the site for security reasons.

The unidentified staffer has been seen wearing blue sweatpants and a navy puffer jacket, emerging from a small temporary cabin only to smoke and take food deliveries, according to Australian media reports. He has not responded to questions from journalists.

Opposition lawmaker Keith Pitt described the situation as “wild” and compared it to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stating, “You can’t just occupy territory and then claim it.”

Russia plans to challenge the eviction in the high court on Monday, seeking to overturn the legislation rushed through the Australian parliament that canceled Russia’s lease on the site due to national security concerns. The site is located in close proximity to the Australian parliament.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed confidence in his government’s legal position and dismissed calls to force the Russian staffer to leave, stating that he poses no threat to national security. Albanese also noted the cold weather conditions, adding, “Particularly when it’s so cold out there.”

Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, highlighted the national security threat posed by Moscow’s plan to build a second Russian embassy near Parliament House. Concerns over Russian espionage in Australia have grown following the expulsion of a major spy network of Russian diplomats and undercover agents by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization in February.

Mike Burgess, the ASIO security director, described the expelled spy network as “bigger and more dangerous” than a previous major spy ring dismantled last year. He revealed that the Russian group had engaged in malicious activities, including attempts to steal sensitive information.

Barnaby Joyce, a senior opposition lawmaker, mocked the Russian staffer occupying the construction hut, known as a donger in Australian slang, suggesting that he would quickly tire of the cold weather. Joyce’s comments were broadcast on Sky News.

Russia has accused Canberra of “Russophobic hysteria” over the canceled lease and summoned the Australian ambassador in Moscow to protest, threatening retaliation. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has sanctioned 48 Australians, including politicians, military contractors, and journalists, in addition to the hundreds already barred from Russia.

Last year, the Russian embassy successfully challenged the cancellation of the lease in court after the National Capital Authority argued that partial building works on the site undermined its aesthetic and importance.

Russian diplomats have previously breached local laws, with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade pursuing almost $90,000 in unpaid fines from the Russian embassy, including speeding tickets, parking violations, and traffic fines dating back 15 years. In the United States, 49 Russians, all diplomats or their spouses, were charged in 2013 for their involvement in a Medicaid fraud scheme dating back to 2004.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has further strained relations between Russia and Western countries, including Australia. The situation in Canberra reflects the heightened tensions and concerns over Russian espionage and interference in foreign affairs.

How will the court challenge by Russian officials impact the eviction of the staff member and the cancellation of the embassy’s lease

A Russian embassy staff member has taken up squatting on a construction site in Canberra, Australia, after being evicted by the government for security reasons. The unidentified individual has been seen wearing casual clothing and spending most of their time in a temporary cabin, only emerging to smoke and receive food deliveries. They have refused to answer questions from journalists. Russian officials plan to challenge the eviction in court on Monday, arguing that the legislation rushed through parliament to cancel their lease is invalid. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed concerns about the staff member’s presence, stating that they do not pose a threat to national security. Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, has highlighted the security risks associated with Russia’s plan to build a second embassy near Parliament House.