Spain will expel some 25 Russian diplomats and embassy staff from Madrid, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Tuesday, in response to alleged war crimes by the Russian military in Ukraine, Report informs via Reuters.
"We have decided to expel Russian diplomats and staff from the Russian embassy in Spain who represent a threat to the interests and security of our country," he said after the weekly cabinet meeting, without ruling out further measures.
A source said the Russian ambassador was not among the diplomats to be expelled.
Sweden will declare three Russian diplomats persona non grata, the Swedish Foreign Ministry said, Report informs citing RIA Novosti.
Another Moscow official commented on the expulsion of Russian diplomats from European countries. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that such steps could damage bilateral relations with European countries.
"Obviously, this campaign was prepared in advance. Bilateral relations are under attack through diplomatic channels. We do not cut ties with anyone. There is no limit to the unfriendly actions of Western countries," the deputy minister said.
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The Italian government has decided to expel 30 Russian diplomats, the Italian Foreign Ministry said, Report informs, citing TASS.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that relevant measures would be taken as a response to Rome’s move.
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Denmark has decided to expel 15 Russian diplomats following reports of mass graves being found and civilian killings in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, the Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said, Report informs.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the Danish move. She said similar measures would be taken against the country's diplomatic missions in Russia.
The Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Rome intends to expel dozens of Russian diplomats, and the list of those diplomats is ready.