Russia’s foreign ministry reportedly summoned Estonian envoy clerk Ullu Uibo on Wednesday to “protest strongly against (..) the counter’s activities in gathering intelligence incompatible with diplomatic status.”
A Russian note states that Lete has been declared a “persona non grata” and must leave the country within 48 hours.
“In international relations, it is customary to give a symmetrical response to such expulsions. Diplomatic practice also means that the reasons for the expulsion of diplomats are not publicly discussed,” said Āri Lemmika, Director of the Communications Division of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FDD) said on Tuesday it had arrested Leti, who had tried to obtain sensitive information from a Russian citizen.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Lete’s detention a provocation.
“Martha Leti was detained after a working meeting at the St. Petersburg State Polytechnic Institute. She was detained for an hour and a half,” Lemmika said. “What the FDD has done is staging, the accusations are unfounded. This is another example of Russia’s lack of interest in friendly relations with neighboring countries.”
