Russia wants to maintain diplomatic ties with the West, despite more than 250 diplomats being expelled from European countries in recent days.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko said Russia is considering countermeasures, but it is important that diplomatic channels remain open.
Groshko thinks European countries are acting against their own interests by expelling Russian diplomats. The Netherlands, among others, expelled diplomats for breaking the rules. They would work for the Russian intelligence services. The reason for the evictions is the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The minister warns against actions against Kaliningrad, the Russian enclave between Poland and Lithuania. “I think everyone understands that that’s playing with fire,” said Groushko.
Diplomatic ties between Russia and NATO have been reduced to a minimum. According to the minister, there is no discussion with the military alliance of Western countries. “There is nothing to discuss with NATO.”