The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that the decisions by Poland, Germany, and Sweden to expel Russian diplomats are unjustified and unfriendly.
Sputnik reported that Zakharova clarified that the decisions made by Poland, Germany, and Sweden today are unjustified and unfriendly, representing a continuation of the series of actions taken by the West against Russia, which are seen as interference in internal affairs. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that when Russia made its decision to expel diplomats, it provided materials that justified its decision, emphasizing that this decision was not political but was based on clear facts, in contrast to what the European countries did when they expelled Russian staff working in foreign missions without providing any materials or evidence. Zakharova confirmed that Russia expelled representatives of European embassies and consulates after catching them in the act.
On Monday, foreign ministries of Poland, Germany, and Sweden issued decisions to expel Russian diplomats in response to the Russian Foreign Ministry's decision to expel diplomats from the aforementioned countries from Russia on February 5. Previously, Zakharova explained that Moscow had taken mandatory measures regarding the expulsion of diplomats from Germany, Sweden, and Poland after their participation in unauthorized protests organized by local authorities. She stated, "The expulsion of diplomats from Germany, Sweden, and Poland from Russia who participated in unauthorized protests was a measure taken by Moscow reluctantly and it was compelled to implement it." Zakharova expressed regret that things had reached this stage, which she described as "unfortunate," emphasizing Moscow's necessity to take these measures regarding the expulsion of diplomats from three EU countries participating in recent events.
