European countries have again expelled dozens of Russian diplomats and employees of the Russian embassy. These are Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and the European Union in Brussels. Earlier today, Russian diplomats in Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Italy were expelled.
Slovenia expels 33 of the 41 Russian diplomats. The Slovenians say they have lodged a “vigorous protest” with the Russian ambassador and expressed “dismay” at the drama in Butja. In Romania, ten Russian diplomats have to leave the country. There, too, reference is made to the death of more than 300 civilians in Butsha, a suburb of Kiev. “Romania strongly condemns the crimes committed in Butya and other places in Ukraine for which Russia is responsible.”
The European Union is expelling 19 diplomats from the Russian mission to the EU in Brussels, EU foreign affairs chief Borrell announced. According to him, the Russians have engaged in activities that go against their diplomatic status.
In Portugal, ten embassy employees have to leave. It is not about personnel with diplomatic status, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon. “The Portuguese government reiterates its strong and vehement condemnation of Russian aggression on Ukrainian territory,” the ministry said.
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