North Macedonia expels three more Russian diplomats

(Patria) - For the third time since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian diplomats have been expelled from North Macedonia, confirmed the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

"The Ambassador of the Russian Federation was summoned to the MFA on 12 September and was handed a diplomatic note declaring three diplomats from the Russian Federation Embassy in Skopje persona non grata," the MFA statement said.

It added that the decision was made based on information received from competent authorities regarding activities undertaken that are contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, but no details were provided on what those activities were.

For Russia, declaring three of its diplomats unwanted is an "irresponsible and hostile act."

"The authorities of North Macedonia on 12 September, without explaining the reasons, declared three diplomats of the Russian Embassy in Skopje 'persona non grata'.

This irresponsible and hostile step by the authorities of North Macedonia will not go unanswered," Russian MFA spokesperson Maria Zakharova posted on Twitter.