Karen Malayan speaks to Europe on behalf of Russian president Vladimir Putin, but his irregular CV invites the question: Is the acting head of Russia’s embassy to the EU another spy sent to recruit assets, steal secrets, and direct sabotage attacks?
You can spot Malayan on official photos by his receding hairline, frameless glasses, and Mona Lisa smile.
The avuncular 55-year-old, who is married with one son, arrived at Russia’s EU embassy in Brussels in 2015 and became “chargé d’affaires ad interim [temporary head]” in 2024.
He was still active on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, OK.ru [a Russian social media platform], X, and his embassy website, where he dutifully repeated Kremlin talking points.
He used to meet with EU officials and diplomats, Russia–friendly MEPs, and European business executives.
