Russia has expelled seven foreign diplomats in a retaliatory move after Russian officials were asked to leave Estonia and Moldova earlier this week.
Two Estonian and five Moldovan diplomats were ordered to leave Russia Thursday.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision was in response to “unfriendly actions” from the Estonian and Moldovan governments.
Russia's Consul General in Narva, Dmitry Kazennov and Consul Andrei Surgayev were asked to leave Tallin on Friday, while five more unnamed Moscow officials were expelled from Chisinau on May 29.
Neither country has given an official explanation for the decision.
In a statement, Moscow said Estonia and Moldova's expulsions were "destructive" and warned they would damage bilateral relations.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.