The Russian Foreign Ministry called the decision of Lithuania to lower the level of diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation hostile actions. This was announced on Monday, April 4, by the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova.
“These extremely hostile actions of the Lithuanian authorities are aimed at destroying bilateral relations. Responsibility for this lies entirely with the Lithuanian side,” Zakharova said.
She said that on Monday the Russian ambassador to the Baltic republic was informed regarding the decision taken by Vilnius to lower the level of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“The Russian Ambassador to Lithuania has been ordered to leave Lithuanian territory. The permission for the activity of the Consulate General of Russia in Klaipeda was withdrawn, its employees were also obliged to leave Lithuania,” said Maria Zakharova.
The Russian side will announce retaliatory measures in the near future.
