Slovakia decides to expel 35 Russian diplomats

Slovakia, a member of the European Union, has decided to expel 35 Russian diplomats based on information provided by the intelligence service.

Slovakia made the decision on Wednesday (March 30). This information was given by AFP in a report.

Earlier , European Union member states Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and the Czech Republic expelled dozens of Russian diplomats on suspicion of being involved in intelligence scams . One day later, Slovakia took such a step. Their concerted action is a reflection of the Moscow war in Ukraine.

Earlier, other countries, including the United States and Poland, expelled Russian diplomats.

“Slovakia will reduce the staff of the Russian embassy in Bratislava by 35,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Juraj Tomaga told AFP.

He added: “We are sorry for the expulsion of Russian diplomats in the last two years. Russia’s diplomatic mission in Slovakia has shown no interest in continuing its activities. ”

Slovakia has already expelled three Russian diplomats for spying earlier this month.

In August 2020, Bratislava expelled three Russian diplomats for “serious crimes.” News of their possible involvement in the killing of a former Chechen rebel in Berlin Park surfaced in the local media.

Two years ago, local media reported that Slovakia had a maximum of 45 officially recognized Russian diplomats. However, it is unclear how many are currently there.