Western diplomats describe heightened surveillance and 'constant paranoia' in war-time Moscow

Western diplomats in Moscow, Russia, have described a heightened climate of surveillance and 'constant paranoia' since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The British Broadcasting Corporation and BBC World reported that officials compare the current situation to the Cold War era, citing increased monitoring and restrictions on diplomatic activities. The reports, published on October 22, 2026, emphasize the impact of the war on diplomatic relations and security conditions in Russia.