Russia summons Mexican ambassador over case of underage Russian citizen

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday summoned Mexican Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Mejias over the detention of an underage Russian citizen in Mexico City.

Mejias was informed about an investigative interview conducted on April 17 by Mexican law enforcement officials in the presence of staff from the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Mexico City with a minor Russian citizen, Kristina Romanova, the ministry said in a statement.

It added that during this interview, she expressed her intention to remain in Mexico.

Mexico was reminded that its obligations under the 1963 and 1978 consular conventions to ensure free communication with Russian citizens were not met in this case, the ministry noted.

The ministry emphasized that Kristina Romanova's documented wish places heightened responsibility on Mexican partners for her safety and health both before and after she turns 18 on May 15, 2026.

"It was emphasized that, together with Russian human rights and public organizations, we will continue, within the framework of available means, to monitor the situation concerning our compatriot to ensure that all her rights are respected by the Mexican side," it said.

In 2023, Kristina Romanova was taken away from her parents by Mexican child protection services. Local law enforcement reported that the girl had complained about domestic violence. Kristina's mother, Marina Romanova, claims that there were never any serious conflicts—neither between her and her husband nor among the children.