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Russia’s rivalry with NATO member Estonia is heating up. The two sides expelled each other’s ambassadors. Photo/REUTERS
Estonia ordered the Russian ambassador to leave after Moscow said it was degrading diplomatic ties, accusing it of being “totally Russophobic”.
Three Baltic countries; Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are among a group of NATO allies urging Germany to send its Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine to counter a Russian invasion.
Also read: Dmitry Medvedev: US and Allies Trigger World War III by Preparing to Attack Russia
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it had informed the Estonian ambassador that he should leave next month, and that Tallinn’s diplomatic presence in Moscow would only be represented by the charge d’affaires.
Estonia responded well, telling the Russian envoy to leave on February 7. This was delivered by Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu.
“We will continue to support Ukraine as Russia is planning a massive offensive, and we call on other like-minded countries to increase their assistance to Ukraine,” Reinsalu said in a statement, as quoted ReutersTuesday (24/1/2023).
Latvia, in solidarity with Estonia, ordered its envoy in Moscow to leave on 27 February. This was announced by Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.
The two Baltic states say they are downgrading their diplomatic relations with Russia to the level of charge d’affairs.
Lithuania expelled the Russian envoy in April and downgraded diplomatic ties after Ukraine accused Russian troops of killing civilians in the town of Bucha.