Russian Ambassador to Sofia Eleonora Mitrofanova pointed to the possibility of severing diplomatic relations with Bulgaria amid the expulsion of Russian diplomats, and that “Moscow will make its decision on this matter.”
In a statement to Bulgarian television, she said: “This is an unprecedented and completely unfriendly move by the Bulgarian government, noting that “several parties in the Bulgarian parliament have condemned the government’s decision.”
The Russian Embassy in Sofia called on the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry to cancel the decision to expel 70 Russian employees and diplomats, considering this decision “an unprecedented provocation that undermines relations between Russia and Bulgaria.”
For its part, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that “the Russian side will respond to the actions of Bulgaria, which announced the expulsion of 70 Russian diplomats and employees, saying that they are involved in espionage activities.”
The ministry vowed to respond, saying, “Russia will respond accordingly.”
Earlier, Bulgarian Prime Minister Kirill Petkov announced the expulsion of 70 Russian diplomats “involved in espionage activities.”
According to Petkov, most of the diplomats worked in the security services, enjoying their diplomatic immunity.
Source: “News”