Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland warned that Russia may leave the Council of Europe soon.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini, Jagland described the process as Ruxit, a reference to Brexit - the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.
"There is real danger that Europe will have to face not only Brexit, but also Ruxit," Finland’s Yle broadcaster cited the official as saying.
The Finnish foreign minister said that his country, which currently holds the rotating Council of Europe presidency, would keep searching for solutions and engaging in talks to preserve Russia’s membership in the organization, TASS reported.
According to Soini, Russia and the Council of Europe need each other, but every side needs to follow the rules.
