Northern Macedonia expels six Russian diplomats as well

“Based on information received from competent bodies, these persons carried out activities that are contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and in the next five days will have to leave the territory of the Republic of Northern Macedonia”, the Northern Macedonia Foreign Ministry communiqué (MPJ) said.

Russian Ambassador Sergei Baznikin has been communicated with the decision as well.

This is the second expulsion of Russian diplomats in less than a month.

Five Russian diplomats were expelled on March 28th, for he too had acted contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Even last year, North Macedonia declared two Russian diplomats as unwanted, one in May and the other in August.

In both cases, Russia has reacted with reciprocal measures, has otherwise expelled Macedonian diplomats from Moscow.

Ahead of the last two deportations involving 11 diplomats -- according to a list available on the Russian Embassy website -- a total of 19 Russian diplomats were registered in northern Macedonia, including Russian Federation Ambassador Sergei Baznikin and two military officials.

Russia's embassy is now left with eight diplomats, including the ambassador.

Northern Macedonia has condemned the Russian invasion in Ukraine, giving full support to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while joining European Union sanctions by closing air space for flights from Moscow and vice versa.

On February 24th, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered “special operation” to demilitarise Ukraine.

The Kremlin's action has stirred anger and has been condemned in many parts of the world.

The United States and its allies have responded with severe sanctions against Moscow.