The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharov commented on the expulsion of eight Russian diplomats from Brussels, who worked in the Mission of Russia with NATO. She predicted that Russian negotiators would soon disappear in Europe, who communicate with the countries of the Alliance. This statement sounded during a briefing.
Apparently, soon in Brussels will not be left for those who can actually talk at the proper level with the General Secretariat and Member States [NATO]. Apparently, this is exactly this NATOV and achieved, “the diplomat emphasized.
In addition, Zakharova stated that the step of the Alliance did not become a surprise, but surprised Russia with the unceremoniousness. According to her, Moscow notified the expulsion of its representatives only on October 6.
On the same day, Sky News TV channel, with reference to sources, wrote that NATO will send eight employees of the Russian mission under the Alliance from Brussels for their “hostile activity.” Thus, 10 diplomats from Russia will remain in the mission instead of 20.
NATO has already sent Russians from the mission in Brussels in 2018. This happened against the background of the scandal with poisoning Sergey and Julia Skripal. Then the accreditation was withdrawn from seven employees of postpopment, and three more refused to provide it.