The Foreign Ministry’s statement on downgrading diplomatic relations with the Republic of Estonia

In recent years, the Estonian leadership has purposefully destroyed the entire scope of relations with Russia. Tallinn has elevated total Russophobia and cultivating enmity towards our country to the rank of state policy.

Now Estonia has taken a new unfriendly step to radically reduce the number of employees at the Russian Embassy in Tallinn, thereby confirming its intention to destroy bilateral relations. In response, the Russian Federation has decided to downgrade diplomatic representation in both countries to the level of charge d’affaires ad interim.

On January 23, the Foreign Ministry of Russia summoned Estonian Ambassador Margus Laidre and expressed its resolute protest against the actions of the Estonian authorities. The Ambassador must leave the Russian Federation on February 7, 2023.

Estonia is wholly responsible for these developments in relations with Russia. We will continue responding to the hostile actions of its leaders.