Russia: Tensions Increase Between Russia And Its Neighbours After Expelling Diplomats In Retaliation

Tensions are heating up between Estonia and Russia after Estonia declared a Russian diplomat involved in “culture and education” persona non grata.

In response Moscow announced the expulsion of an official from the Estonian embassy. The announcements as made by the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The spokeswoman said Russia believes that by their actions Tallinn wanted to demonstrate loyalty to the US and the EU.

“Unfortunately, the Estonian side has once again demonstrated its unwillingness to overcome its unprovoked hostility,”

Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Maria Zakharova

Russia Today reports that the Estonian ambassador to Moscow was summoned to meet with Russian officials who expressed “a strong protest and announced the expulsion of one of the diplomats of the Estonian diplomatic mission.”

“Unfortunately, the Estonian side has once again demonstrated its unwillingness to overcome its unprovoked hostility,” the Foreign Ministry official said.

Russia Today also reports that this is not the first time over the past month that Russia has expelled foreign diplomats.

On February 5, Moscow declared three diplomats from Poland, Sweden and Germany persona non grata in connection with their participation in illegal actions on January 23, which is a violation of the Vienna Convention. Three days later, on February 8, Warsaw, Stockholm and Berlin announced the expulsion of Russian diplomats from their countries.