Russia expels Estonian ambassador

The Russian Foreign Ministry asked the Estonian ambassador to Moscow, Margus Laidre, to leave the country.

In a written statement made by the Ministry, it was recalled that Estonia decided to reduce the number of employees at the Russian Embassy in Tallinn. In the statement, which stated that this decision was an “unsympathetic” step, it was pointed out that the Estonian ambassador in Moscow, Laidre, was summoned to the Ministry.

The statement included the following statements:

“The Russian side, in response, decided to reduce diplomatic representation in both countries to the level of chargé d’affaires. The Ambassador received a note protesting the actions of the Estonian government. The Estonian Ambassador in Moscow must leave the Russian Federation by February 7, 2023. All responsibility for the development of such a situation in Russia-Estonia relations lies with the Estonian side. We will continue to react to the hostile steps of the Estonian administration in the future.”

On January 11, the Estonian Foreign Ministry requested Russia to reduce the number of diplomatic personnel in the country to 8 by February 1. (AA)