Russia to expel Austrian diplomat in tit-for-tat move

​​​​​​​By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia will expel an Austrian diplomat in response to Vienna’s decision to declare a Russian diplomat persona non grata, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

“We traditionally respond to all such moves. Countermeasures have already been announced to the Austrian side. Soon, one Austrian diplomat of similar rank will leave Russia,” the ministry told Russian state-run Tass news agency.

The announcement comes after Austria ordered a Russian diplomat to leave the country last week, citing actions “incompatible with their diplomatic status.”​​​​​​​