Russia expels Estonian diplomat in tit-for-tat response

Moscow expelled an Estonian embassy employee in response to Tallinn’s declaration of a Russian diplomat persona non grata, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"Recently, Estonia groundlessly declared an employee of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn persona non grata," the diplomat said, adding that the diplomat worked on culture and education.

"The Russian response came promptly. The Estonian Ambassador to Moscow was summoned [to the Foreign Ministry], where he received our decisive protest and was informed about the expulsion of one Estonian mission diplomat."

According to Zakharova, Moscow consistently works to develop good-neighborly ties with neighboring states, Estonia included.

"However, we realize that this requires our partners’ reciprocal aspiration to improve our relations," she said. "Unfortunately, Estonia once again displayed its unwillingness to overcome its completely unprovoked hostility.".