Russia Says NATO Diplomatic Expulsions Undermine Hope for Dialogue

TEHRAN (FNA)- Moscow announced on Thursday that NATO's move to cut the size of Russia's diplomatic mission almost completely undermined its hopes that relations could be normalized and dialogue resumed with the bloc.

 The remarks came after NATO expelled eight members of Russia's mission to the alliance who were "undeclared Russian intelligence officers".

Russia might reduce the NATO representation in Moscow to the minimum, RIA news agency quoted Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the international committee of the Federation Council, as saying on Thursday.

The current Russia-NATO relations are frosty at the moment, Dzhabarov mentioned, adding that there is no need to talk about any possibility of improving the relations in the near future.

By expelling Russian diplomats from Brussels, NATO shows the real value of its statements about the importance of de-escalating relations with Moscow, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the Kommersant daily commenting on the reduction of the Russian delegation at NATO, according to TASS.

"Yesterday, NATO leaders were still declaring the importance of de-escalation in relations with Russia, calling for the resumption of dialogue within the NATO-Russia Council and for an ambassador to be sent to Brussels. If anyone ever believed in the sincerity of those statements, there are none left today. Their true price is clear for everyone," said the high-ranking diplomat.

"How is it possible to live without the bogey of the ‘Russian threat’ after the impressive ending of the Afghan epic. No way," Grushko added.

On Wednesday, Sky News reported that NATO had decided to halve the Russian permanent mission to the alliance from 20 to 10 members, by withdrawing the accreditation of eight diplomats and abolishing two vacant positions. According to the UK channel, the decision was taken in response to Russia’s "suspected malign activities". Later, NATO confirmed the information.