Russian FM spokesperson Zakharova: Bulgaria's expulsion of Russian diplomats may have consequences for EU

Moscow may take measures against the entire European Union in response to Bulgaria's decision to expel 70 Russian diplomats, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned today, July 4.

According to spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, "Sofia's politicised decision to unjustifiably cut Russian diplomatic staff in Bulgaria will certainly not go unanswered."

Zakharova noted that the expulsion from Bulgaria goes "far beyond diplomatic practice" and urged Bulgaria and the European Union to reflect on the principle of reciprocity on which diplomatic relations are based.

Russia has stopped issuing tourist visas to Bulgarians

European diplomacy "must understand that the ill-considered support for anti-Russian actions by various member states puts the responsibility for the consequences on the entire Union, including in terms of retaliatory measures on our part", Maria Zakharova said.