Russia expels 18 EU diplomats from Moscow

(Reuters) -Russia on Friday expelled 18 European Union diplomats in retaliation for Brussels’ determination to declare 19 Russians personae non gratae earlier this month.

The EU on April 5 mentioned the 19 Russian diplomats had been “participating in actions opposite to their diplomatic standing” and ordered them to depart Belgium.

Russia’s international ministry mentioned in its assertion that it had summoned EU ambassador to Russia, Markus Ederer, and handed him a be aware of protest.

“The Russian facet declared that the EU is answerable for the constant destruction of the structure of bilateral dialogue and cooperation that had taken a long time to type,” it mentioned.

The EU diplomats should depart Russia as quickly as potential, the ministry added.

The EU mission to Russia mentioned in a press release it regretted what it referred to as an unfounded transfer.

“The choice of the Russian authorities introduced on Friday has no grounds and is nothing else than a retaliatory step,” it mentioned in a press release on Telegram.

“Russia’s chosen plan of action will additional improve its worldwide isolation,” the EU mission added.

(Reporting by Reuters; Modifying by Conor Humphries and Man Faulconbridge)