Diplomatic Double-Dealing: San Marino's Secretive Ties with Russia Exposed

 

San Marino's strategic appointment of Emmanuel Goût, a French diplomat with direct ties to Russian state-run enterprises and media, just before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, exposes a calculated alignment with Russia under the guise of neutrality.

San Marino, a diminutive but historically significant republic nestled in the north of Italy, presents an intriguing case of geopolitical alignment that belies its size. Despite its population of less than 34,000 and an area of barely 60 square kilometers, San Marino's foreign relations, particularly with Russia, have drawn international attention and scrutiny. This small state, surrounded by Italy, has managed to carve out a distinct identity in the world of international politics, maintaining relationships that often seem disproportionate to its physical and demographic stature. The intrigue surrounding its diplomatic maneuvers is amplified by its deep-rooted history and strategic engagements which have often swayed between traditional European alliances and more individualized bilateral relations.

Historically, San Marino has cherished its independence and neutrality, a stance that has enabled it to navigate complex international waters. Its decision not to join other Western nations in imposing sanctions on Russia following the 2014 annexation of Crimea underscores its longstanding neutral policy. This decision was emblematic of its broader foreign policy approach, which often seeks to maintain a balance between asserting its sovereignty and engaging with larger powers in a way that serves its national interests. In 2019, the then foreign minister’s invitation to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for an official visit, despite the ongoing conflicts in Eastern Ukraine, further highlighted this stance. Additionally, the purchase of Russia’s Sputnik vaccine in 2021 and the subsequent visa agreement with Russia not only served as significant diplomatic gestures but also strategic economic moves to bolster its tourism sector, which is heavily reliant on Russian visitors. These actions underscore San Marino's pragmatic approach to foreign policy, where diplomacy and economic considerations often intersect.

The appointment of Emmanuel Goût as an ambassador-at-large in February 2022, just before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is particularly telling. Goût, a French national with extensive connections in Russia, including direct links to state-run energy firms and media outlets, was granted Russian citizenship by President Vladimir Putin himself in 2020. This decision by San Marino, cloaked in secrecy and only disclosed on a restricted government portal, raises questions about the sincerity and transparency of its diplomatic engagements.

Despite official claims by San Marino's foreign minister, Luca Beccari, that Goût’s other citizenships were unknown at the time of his appointment, the public availability of the decree on a Russian government website contradicts these assertions. This opacity in diplomatic appointments and the strategic use of such figures point to a deeper alignment with Russia, possibly as a conduit for more than just diplomatic relations.

San Marino's economy, once thriving as a tax haven, has faced challenges due to tightened regulations on offshore financial centers. The reliance on Russian tourists and the potential economic benefits of maintaining friendly ties with Russia may partly explain San Marino's diplomatic posture. Moreover, according to a former senior Italian intelligence officer, San Marino has served as a logistical base for espionage activities, particularly for Russian and Chinese intelligence services. This covert use of San Marino for intelligence operations “out of sight” of European scrutiny suggests a dual utility of San Marino’s relations with Russia, blending economic benefits with strategic positioning.

The European Union's negotiation of an association agreement with San Marino, concluded in December last year but yet to be ratified, is set against this backdrop of ambivalent loyalties. While San Marino supports EU foreign-policy positions in international forums and voted for the UN General Assembly motion demanding Russia withdraw from Ukraine, its simultaneous under-the-radar engagements with Russia highlight a complex, and at times contradictory, foreign policy approach.

San Marino's friendly relations with Russia can be viewed through multiple lenses: historical neutrality, economic pragmatism, and strategic positioning. The role of individuals like Emmanuel Goût and the use of the republic as a base for espionage add layers of complexity to this narrative. While officially maintaining a stance aligned with European principles, the underlying dynamics suggest a nuanced, if not conflicted, engagement with Russia. This article has unpacked these elements to shed light on why this tiny republic maintains such a disproportionately friendly posture towards a geopolitical giant like Russia, revealing a tapestry of historical ties, economic dependencies, and strategic maneuvers.