Russia decided to expel two finnish diplomats in retaliation for a similar measure taken by the government of Finlandannounced on Tuesday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The ambassador was informed that, in response to the actions of the Finnish authorities, the Russian side has decided to ban the stay of two staff members of the finnish embassy“, the ministry said in a statement.
Russian diplomacy, the note added, protested “strongly” the recent expulsion of two employees from the Russian embassy in Helsinki.
The Russian offensive in Ukrainewhich began on February 24, has provoked a wave of international condemnation and a barrage of sanctions, accompanied by the expulsion of hundreds of Russian diplomats by Western countries.
Finland announced on Sunday that it will apply to join the NATO As a result of the Russian offensive Ukrainea decision followed shortly after by Sweden.