New chapter of Russia-Ukraine diplomatic war opened

Kiev later put on hold its demand for Russia’s Consul General in Odessa to leave the country, but the Russian Foreign Ministry responded to the move saying that “although the Ukrainian side has suspended the decision with respect to the Russian Consul General, the Russian side considers official Kiev’s action as downright anti-Russian and detrimental to the development of relations between Russia and Ukraine.”

“Such provocative actions by the Ukrainian side in respect of the aforementioned Russian diplomats cannot be left without response,” the Ministry added.

The decision of Russia to expel the Ukrainian Consul General in St Petersburg will also be suspended on the basis of reciprocity.