Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said on Monday that Latvia will downgrade its diplomatic relations with Russia. Earlier today, Russia expelled the Estonian ambassador, prompting Estonia to reciprocate, reports Teletrader.
“Due to the ongoing brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine and in solidarity with Estonia, Latvia will lower the level of diplomatic relations with Russia effective February 24, demanding Russia to act accordingly,” Rinkevics said. The Russian government has not yet reacted to the announcement.
Later in the day, the Latvian Foreign Ministry confirmed it has ordered Russia’s ambassador Mikhail Vanin to leave the country by February 24.