Belgium & Netherlands among others expel 43 Russian diplomats
Belgium has expelled 21 diplomats for activities related to espionage / unlawful influence peddling; while the Netherlands expelled 17 Russian diplomats, terming the presence of Russian diplomats in the country, a “threat to national security"
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Belgium, March 30: Amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, and the Czech Republic expelled 43 Russian diplomats, said reports. The move came shortly after Russia and Ukraine's fresh round of talks in Istanbul.
On the other hand, the Netherlands termed the presence of Russian diplomats in the country, a “threat to national security.” The foreign ministry says it took the decision on national security grounds. It said that the Russian ambassador was summoned and told the officers, who were accredited as diplomats, are to be removed from the country.
Notably, in the recent past, Russia had expelled several American diplomats from the US Embassy in Moscow and had declared them "persona non grata", a State Department spokesperson said. The development had come days after the US ousted Russian staff at the UN.
One of the Ukrainian negotiators even said that a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin is possible soon.
Belgium has expelled 21, while the Netherlands has expelled 17 Russian diplomats. Belgium expelled the diplomats for activities related to espionage or unlawful influence peddling.
The diplomats were given two weeks to leave the country, foreign affairs spokeswoman Elke Pattyn told media.
On the other hand, the Netherlands termed the presence of Russian diplomats in the country, a “threat to national security.” The foreign ministry says it took the decision on national security grounds. It said that the Russian ambassador was summoned and told the officers, who were accredited as diplomats, are to be removed from the country.
Also Read | Russian troop movement from Kyiv not a retreat: Pentagon
On the peace talks front, Russia and Ukraine have still not reached a common ground. Although, after today's talks in Turkey, Turkey’s foreign minister said that the Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have reached “a consensus and common understanding” on some issues.
One of the Ukrainian negotiators even said that a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin is possible soon.
