Russia slams diplomat's expulsion from Montenegro, calls it West's 'hybrid campaign'

Moscow on Saturday, Aug 13 reacted strongly against expulsion of a Russian diplomat from Montenegro, labelling move as “new hybrid campaign unleashed by West” against Russia. At a press briefing, Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, "We view act by Montenegrin authorities as yet anor episode of hybrid campaign unleashed by West and its minions against Russia.” Furrmore she ded, “We perceive this move as unwillingness and inability of official Podgorica to get away from policy of mechanically following this destructive line - to detriment of international security and, likewise, its own national interests.” 

'Violations of norms'

ex-Yugoslav republic of Montenegro this week announced that it is expelling  a Russian diplomat over what it described as violations of norms. It declared Russian diplomat persona non grata.This irked Moscow that threatened a response calling move senseless. Attempt to substantiate this step in a corresponding public commentary laid bare absence of reasons and logic of this demarche, Zakharova asserted, speaking about expulsion. "We reserve right to take measures in kind in accordance with generally accepted practice," Kremlin spokeswoman said. "Russia will give an appropriate answer,”she furrmore iterated. 

Since Russia’s invasion in February, Montenegro's foreign ministry has ordered nearly five Russian diplomats to leave country as diplomatic rift widened. Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson noted that Kremlin reserves “ right to take measures in kind in accordance with generally accepted practice.” Montenegro's foreign ministry took to its official Twitter handle to announce move and provided no furr details. Balkan nation also joined US led EU sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Many EU states including Luxembourg expelled Russian diplomats in response to Moscow's war. Greece h also asked more than 12 envoys of Russian Federation diplomatic and consular missions to leave.