The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has confirmed that it expelled eight Russian diplomats that it alleges were operating as “undeclared Russian intelligence officers.
“We can confirm that we have removed the accreditation of eight members of the Russian Mission to NATO who were undeclared Russian intelligence agents,” NATO spokesperson said to the media outlets.
“NATO’s strategy toward Russia is unchanged. In response to Russia’s provocative measures, we have increased our deterrent and defensive capabilities while remaining open to constructive engagement, “added the official.
The alliance will also reduce from 20 to 10 the size of Moscow’s diplomatic representation in NATO’s Brussels headquarters, the officials said.
Several Western countries, including the United States, have recently expelled Russian officers for a variety of reasons, including espionage, election interference, and cyber intrusions. The Biden administration imposed a raft of sanctions on Russia this spring, citing “reckless and adversarial actions” by the Kremlin.
It is the first time NATO has taken such action against Moscow since seven Russian ambassadors were removed from the mission following the Salisbury espionage poisonings in 2018.
(With inputs from agencies)
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