The Russian Federation is taking an unprecedented step in international diplomatic relations by developing a presidential decree that radically changes the rules for establishing foreign representations. The new bill provides for the possibility of unilateral deployment of consular structures without prior coordination with the host countries.
The key innovation lies in Russia's ability to independently determine the geography of its diplomatic representations, ignoring existing international norms and sovereign interests of other states. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also introducing a new representation format through so-called "honorary consular persons" – unofficial representatives without a classic diplomatic status.
Experts see in this project a potential mechanism for expanding Russian geopolitical influence. The structures can be attached to state enterprises such as Rosatom and Rossotrudnichestvo, which creates additional opportunities for covert operational activities.
The Disinformation Counteraction Center has already signaled the Kremlin's ambitions to restructure the existing network of international representations. The strategy resembles the model of the US agency USAID, aimed at maximizing institutional presence on a global scale.
The new decree potentially opens the door for conducting hybrid operations that bypass classical diplomatic protocols and international agreements.