Russia on Wednesday announced the expulsion of 34 French diplomats in retaliation for moves by France to expel 41 Russians in April, in the wake of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.
"Thirty four employees of French diplomatic missions in Russia have been declared persona non grata," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that they have two weeks to leave the country.
France in April kicked out 35 Russians with diplomatic status as part of a broader wave of expulsions that saw more than 300 Russians sent home from European capitals.
- Ukraine troops evacuated from Azovstal steelworks as Russia takes control
- French car company Renault sells Russian assets, closes Moscow operation
Later that month France's Foreign Ministry declared six Russian agents posing as diplomats as "persona non grata" after an investigation by the domestic intelligence services concluded they were working against French national interests.
Paris “condemned" Wednesday's move by Moscow, which comes as fighting continues in eastern Ukraine and the first Russian soldier was tried for war crimes.
(with wires)
There’s nothing you can do for us; just give us electricity to save our collapsi...
Ghanaian media failing in watchdog duties — Sulemana Braimah
On any scale, Mahama can't match Bawumia — NPP Youth Organiser
Never tag me as an NPP pastor; I'm 'pained' the 'Akyem Mafia' are still in charg...
Your refusal to dedicate a project to Atta Mills means you never loved him — Kok...
2024 elections: I'm competent, not just a dreamer; vote for me — Alan
2024 elections: Forget NPP, NDC; I've the Holy Spirit backing me and nothing wil...
2024 elections: We've no trust in judiciary; we'll ensure ballots are well secur...
Performance tracker: Fire MCEs, DCEs who document Mahama's projects; they're not...
Train crash: Railway ministry shares footage of incident
