CIVIL exclusively learned that Russian Ambassador Sergey Bazdnikin attempted to assume the role of “Dean of the Diplomatic Corps” in the country. However, his attempt was thwarted. What happened?

According to CIVIL’s sources, Bazdnikin recently sent a note informing the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the diplomatic corps in the country that—following the conclusion of Slovak Ambassador Henrik Markus’ mission on July 31, 2025—he would assume the position of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in North Macedonia, “in accordance with the order of precedence,” as he stated in the note.

In its investigation of this diplomatic scandal, CIVIL obtained exclusive information that the Macedonian MFA responded by stating that the ministry recognizes the provisions of the longstanding tradition whereby the dean of the Diplomatic Corps is appointed based on the order of seniority among heads of missions, in the spirit of collegiality, mutual respect, and constructive cooperation among all diplomatic missions.

However, the Macedonian MFA added that the effective functioning of the dean’s role critically depends on the ability to foster inclusive dialogue, transparency, and coordination among all heads of missions. Consequently, they considered that, under the current circumstances, these conditions are not sufficiently met to ensure that the responsibilities of the dean can be carried out in a manner reflecting the unity and collegial spirit of the Diplomatic Corps in the Republic of North Macedonia, and that would guarantee the impartial and objective articulation of the positions of all members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Furthermore, the response stated that “in this regard, and after careful consideration and thorough review of the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia respectfully wishes to inform the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Macedonia that the assumption of the role of dean by His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mr. Sergey Bazdnikin, at this moment does not enjoy the necessary cohesion and broad support within the diplomatic community in the Republic of North Macedonia,” the MFA note reads.

As a reminder, the state in which the RF ambassador Sergey Bazdnikin attempted to assume the position of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps has been designated as a hostile country. His attempt to usurp this role is entirely in line with the infamous diplomatic style of the state he represents.

By Dragan Mishev, in cooperation with CIVIL’s Hybrid Threats Monitoring Team (CHTM)