Russia-Finland tensions escalate

Last month, Finland said it was expelling nine Russian diplomats for "intelligence work." Russia's move on July 6 was seen as retaliation for Finland's move.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also announced that Moscow decided to close the Finnish consulate in St. Petersburg, Russia, and accused Finland of pursuing a "confrontational" policy towards Russia.

Flags of Finland (right) and the European Union outside the Finnish Embassy in Moscow. Photo: Reuters

"It should be noted that what is being discussed about Finland joining NATO is a threat to Russia's security, encouraging Kiev to join the conflict and pumping it with Western weapons. These are clearly hostile actions against our country," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto described Russia's retaliatory measures as "a harsh and disproportionate response to Finland's decision to expel Russian diplomats". He said Finland was preparing to respond by closing the Russian consulate in Turku.

Earlier, Euro News reported on July 1 that about 40 Russian diplomats and embassy staff were expelled from Romania amid deteriorating relations between the two countries over the conflict in Ukraine.

Moscow has organized a special flight to evacuate diplomats, embassy staff and their family members from Bucharest. The number of staff at the Russian Embassy in Romania has been cut by more than half since Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine in February last year.

Pham Nghia

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/cang-thang-nga-phan-lan-leo-thang-20230706212356073.htm