Latvia recalls ambassador from Russia

RIGA - Latvia has decided to downgrade diplomatic representation in Russia and will on February 24 recall its ambassador to Russia Maris Riekstins, said Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (New Unity).

Estonian Ambassador to Russia Margus Laidre was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs lasts Wednesday, where strong protest was expressed to him in connection with the actions of the Estonian authorities, and he was ordered to leave Russia on February 7.

According to Rinkevics, due to the ongoing brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine and in solidarity with Estonia, Latvia will lower level of diplomatic relations with Russia effective February 24, demanding Russia to act accordingly.

The minister's advisor Martins Dregeris told LETA that the Russian ambassador to Latvia was summoned to the Latvian Foreign Ministry today to inform him of Latvia's decision to downgrade diplomatic representation in Russia.

On January 11, Estonia notified Russia of a decision according to which Russia must reduce the number of its staff by February 1, 2023, to eight diplomatic positions and 15 posted administrative, technical and service staff members.