Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters
Russia announced on Wednesday the expulsion of 34 French diplomats. A decision made in retaliation for France’s April expulsions of 41 Russians as a result of the offensive in Ukraine.
The French ambassador to Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry. There he was handed a note saying “34 employees of French diplomatic establishments in Russia have been declared persona non grata,” according to Russian diplomacy. They must leave the country In two weeks. A decision “condemned” by Paris.
“Russian spies” in France
Paris “strongly condemned” this announcement, considering that this decision was not supported on “no legitimate basis”.
Emmanuel Macron continues to conduct a dialogue with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Photo: Xinhua
“This decision was presented by the Russian side in response to the decisions of France” last April, in which they were expelled “several dozen Russian agents“Suspected spies, Quai d’Orsay indicated.
“The work of the diplomats and staff of our embassy in Russia is entirely consistent under the Vienna Convention in diplomatic and consular relations, “continued the French Foreign Ministry.
The decision to expel the French diplomats was surprising because the president Emmanuel Macron continues to conduct a dialogue with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
But on Tuesday, France confirmed that will continue to cooperate on arms for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky accused Emmanuel Macron of pretending that “Ukraine gave territory to Russia” to get a solution to the rivalry and he was vehemently opposed.
Paris, correspondent
Source: Clarin
