The Russian ambassador in Spain has become the most uncomfortable diplomat for relations with the Embassies with a delegation in Spain. Yuri Klimenko obtained the approval of Foreign Affairs to represent Putin in our country at the end of October, when sources from the ministry led by José Manuel Albares explained that the highest representative of Russia was kept to "keep the channels open" with the country despite the illegitimate invasion of Ukraine. In these six months, however, everyone has avoided photography with Klimenko.
A week ago the ambassador presented his credentials to Felipe VI. The protocol dictates that this procedure be carried out in the Royal Palace, in a solemn ceremony that follows the same model since the 18th century: the ambassadors arrive by horse-drawn carriage at the Royal Palace, deliver to the King the document that accredits them as representatives and maximum diplomatic authority of another country in Spain and hold a brief hearing. All immortalized by the photographers of the House and of different agencies. Only in some cases -like Don Juan Carlos in 2013-, has it been performed in Zarzuela, and it is something exceptional, that it appeared on the agenda and photographs were distributed. Of Klimenko, however, there is no trace of an image of him with Felipe VI.
A brief tweet from Foreign Affairs explained that the ambassador had delivered his credentials. The communication was made after the meeting with Don Felipe, who did not appear on the agenda of the Royal House or Albares. Zarzuela follows the criteria established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has not explained to EL MUNDO the reason for this clandestine ceremony.
Although it doesn't seem to be necessary either, since Klimenko has become an uncomfortable diplomat. Last Wednesday he echoed on his social networks a video in which three alleged Spanish soldiers presented themselves as forces sent to Ukraine to fight against Putin. Klimenko directly accused Defense Minister Margarita Robles of sending troops. Her comments forced Albares to call him to the chapter. As they explained to EL MUNDO yesterday, the Minister summoned him "in protest of the attacks on the Government on social networks." Albares demanded the immediate withdrawal of the publication, to which they gave in immediately after they showed "their energetic rejection of this type of publication and initiatives."
Yesterday, the Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, was very forceful with Russia and its way of conducting diplomacy. "Foreign has done what it had to do," she said about Albares's performance. She then stated: "We all know that countries like Russia use all kinds of methods such as disinformation to try to undermine the unity between the countries that are part of the European Union and NATO. But they won't get it."
The Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños, also defended the actions of Albares, who maintains the ambassador to safeguard Spanish interests in Russia and to keep diplomatic communication channels open. "It is nothing new that I at this time affirm that the use of disinformation, hoaxes and fake news by Russia in its conflict with Ukraine is a constant," said Bolaños.
Expert intelligence sources consulted by EL MUNDO affirm that this procedure could be "an intoxication action by the Russian intelligence service."
It should be remembered that Klimenko is not a new presence in Spain. Putin decided to change his ambassador after the previous one, Yuri Korchagin, who had been in office for two years, was called twice for foreign consultation for actions after the invasion of Ukraine.
Klimenko, 63, was consul in Barcelona from 2012 to 2019, coinciding with the years of the process. Previously, from 2000 to 2004, he was a counselor at the Embassy in Madrid. Klimenko was also deputy director of the First European Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry in two stages until his return to Madrid at the end of the year.
Despite having deleted the tweet with the hoax that spread false information, the social networks of the Russian diplomatic delegations established in Spain continue to be highly critical of Spain. "In the Spanish media space, a high degree of Russophobia is maintained due to unscrupulous journalists," the Foreign Ministry account wrote a few days ago. Time will show if Klimenko softens his tone on his social networks or if, on the contrary, he will continue spreading hoaxes about Spain and the support of the allies for Ukraine.
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