Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Russia decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with Estonia on Monday (23/1/2023). This happened when relations between Moscow and Tallinn became strained due to the war in Ukraine.
In a statement, Russia accused the Baltic States of total Russophobia. The Estonian ambassador was also ordered to leave Russian territory before February 7.
“The Russian side decided to downgrade the diplomatic representatives of the two countries to fill ad interim,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement quoted by AFP.
The moves came after Estonia drastically reduced the number of staff at the Russian embassy in Tallinn. The Russian Foreign Ministry also accused Estonia of “deliberately destroying” relations with Moscow.
“Total Russophobia, the cultivation of enmity against our country has been elevated by Tallinn to the level of national policy.”
It is the first time Russia has expelled an EU nation’s ambassador since Moscow sent troops to Ukraine on February 24.
Estonia is an ally of Ukraine. Tallinn has also called on Western countries to send tanks to Kyiv so that Ukraine can counter Moscow’s offensive.
The Baltic country was previously part of the Soviet Union and had a difficult relationship with Russia for many years. Their relationship is increasingly divided because of historical memory.
Next Article
Watch out for Putin getting ‘angry’, Ukraine discusses joining NATO
(tps/ayh)
