Russians Expel EU Diplomats During Visit EU Foreign Chief

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During the visit of the foreign chief of the European Union to Russia, the Russians expelled three diplomats from the EU countries Germany, Poland and Sweden.

The visit of top diplomat Borrell to Moscow is intended not to break down the problematic relationship between Moscow and Brussels completely. Observers call the move by the Russian regime an insult to the highest-ranking EU diplomat.

A Borrell spokesman immediately and forcefully condemned the announced expulsions. Russia accuses European diplomats of attending illegal opposition protests out of solidarity with Kremlin critic Navalny.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs finds the actions of the diplomats unacceptable. Sweden immediately refuted Moscow’s claim that the Swedish diplomat was participating in a rally. Germany announced countermeasures.

Foreign chief Borrell insisted in Moscow on the release of opposition leader Navalny. A court in Moscow this week sentenced him to 3.5 years in prison, of which he has to serve another two years and eight months.

Opposition supporters have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest the imprisonment of Navalny, an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin. Russian authorities arrested thousands of participants.