MFA Russia lowers level of diplomatic relations with Estonia, expels ambassador

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia summoned the Ambassador of Estonia in Moscow, Margus Laidre, and informed him of the downgrading of the diplomatic representation in both countries to a temporary chargé d'affaires and ordered him to leave the Russian Federation by February 7.

This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to MFA Russia’s Telegram channel.

The ambassador was also informed of "strong protest in connection with the actions of the Estonian authorities". Moscow accuses Estonia of "targeted destruction of the entire complex of relations with Russia," "total Russophobia, cultivation of enmity."

Such actions and definitions were used by the Russian Foreign Ministry due to Estonia's recent decision to reduce the size of the Russian embassy in Tallinn.

As reported by Ukrinform, on January 11, the Estonian Foreign Ministry informed the Russian ambassador about the decision, according to which Russia shall reduce the number of employees of its embassy in Tallinn to eight diplomats and 15 seconded administrative, technical, and service staff by February 1, 2023. The purpose of this is "to achieve parity or equivalence in the number of positions in the embassy," as a result of which "the number of available positions in the Russian and Estonian missions operating in the capitals will be equalized."

According to the Estonian side, in the conditions of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, "the current size of the Russian representation is not justified."

Currently, the Russian embassy in Tallinn employs 21 diplomats and 23 staffers without diplomatic status.