Russia Expels 5 Swedish Diplomats

Russia confirmed today, Thursday, that it will close the Swedish consulate in St. Petersburg and shut down its consulate in Gothenburg. It will also expel five Swedish diplomats in a move described as a response to Sweden's "confrontational approach" in its relations with Russia. Russia announced that it has revoked its approval for the Swedish consulate in St. Petersburg effective September. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated this action is a retaliation for the expulsion of five of its diplomatic staff from Sweden last month, which it called a "blatant hostile step." Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström said in a statement that this news is "very unfortunate, representing further evidence of the negative political development in Russia and its international isolation." He added, "Russia has chosen to expel the Swedish diplomats who operate under the Vienna Convention and conduct normal diplomatic activities in Russia. We regret the Russian announcement regarding the consulate general in St. Petersburg." Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since Sweden announced last year its intention to join NATO following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Russian statement noted that relations have "declined to an unprecedented level."