Russia’s foreign ministry announced on Friday that it had ordered Latvia’s ambassador to Moscow, Maris Riekstins, to leave Russia for two weeks as a reciprocal measure following a similar decision by Latvia.

Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Smolensk Square, MoscowPhoto: Russian Look Ltd. / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia

“Latvia’s ambassador, Mr. Riekstinsh, has been ordered to leave the Russian Federation for two weeks,” said a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday, as cited by CNN.

Earlier this week, Latvia announced the expulsion of Russia’s ambassador to Riga and the deterioration of diplomatic relations with Moscow, hours after a similar decision by Estonia.

“The Russian ambassador will leave Latvia no later than February 24, 2023. Likewise, Latvia’s ambassador to Russia will leave Russia by February 24,” the Latvian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, pointing to the continuation of the conflict as the reason for Ukraine’s decision. and “solidarity with Estonia and Lithuania”.

Russia announced on Monday that it was expelling Estonia’s ambassador, condemning Tallinn’s “total Russophobia” after the Baltic country asked it to reduce its diplomatic presence on its territory.

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