Four European nations have expelled dozens of Russian diplomats in a move aimed at combating espionage amid Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The expulsions – by Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, and the Netherlands – came after Moscow announced it was to drastically scale down its military operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv following peace talks in Istanbul that had appeared to make some progress.
Belgium has expelled 21 Russian diplomats for alleged spying and posing threats to security, the Netherlands expelled 17, Ireland four, and Czech Republic one.
The Russian defence ministry has promised to reduce military activity near Kyiv to foster the conditions needed for further ceasefire negotiations.
Peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian diplomats have concluded for the day. Kyiv has proposed a new security guarantee that could lead to the country accepting neutral status in return for Russian troops’ withdrawal.
However US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he has not seen “signs of real seriousness” from Russia in pursuing peace.
