Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs has made the decision to expel three employees of the Russian Embassy, as confirmed by the minister on Twitter.
«I have made the decision to expel three employees of the Russian Embassy from Latvia,» he wrote.
Rinkēvičs notes that this decision was made following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and that these people’s activities are incompatible with the status of a diplomat.
He also stressed that this is a coordinated action by Baltic States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports the minister made this decision as a show of solidarity with Ukraine and its fight against the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by Russia. Additionally, it is believed representatives of Russian security services played a major role in planning and executing the military operation.
On 18 March Rinkēvičs’ decision was presented to Russian ambassador in Latvia Mikhail Vanin. The diplomats in question have time until 23:59 p.m. of 23 March to leave Latvia, as reported by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Latvia strongly condemns Russia’s attack against Ukraine and once again requests the halting of Russia’s military aggression. This Baltic Country also requests Russia to follow the 16 March ruling of the UN International Court of Justice and return to compliance with international law, as mentioned in the ministry’s statement.
As previously reported, this week the UN International Court of Justice requested Russia to stop its attack on Ukraine and voiced concerns about the force used by Moscow in this conflict.
On 27 February Ukraine officially submitted a lawsuit against Russia to the UN International Court of Law, requesting prosecution for distorting the term genocide in an attempt to justify aggression.
Read also: Day 23 of war in Ukraine: Air strike on Lviv, Russia searches for opponents in occupied territories, plans «referendums»
On 24 February Russian army invaded Ukraine, attacking both military and civilian targets and causing an outflow of refugees from the country.
Latvia expels three employees of the Russian Embassy
