By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) – Russia on Friday summoned Canada's envoy to Moscow to formally protest "false accusations" blaming Russia for plans to carry out subversive activities in Canada and NATO countries via mail, describing the fabricated narrative as part of the US and its allies' "hybrid war" against the country.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website that the deputy head of the Canadian Embassy was summoned to formally protest disinformation.
The ministry told the diplomat that disinformation about explosives being sent through postal services to recipients in Canada and elsewhere was spread "in a coordinated manner at the instigation of the US and its allies" as part of a "hybrid war against Russia," the statement said.
Along with Canada's military support to Ukraine, including weapons and mercenaries, the ministry said such claims suggest "the potential for a harsh anti-Russian provocation."
The ministry warned that any staged or “false flag” provocations would be the responsibility of the accusing countries, including Canada.
“The Canadian side was informed that any hostile actions would not go unanswered, as they had not in the past. Canadian authorities should act with caution and avoid further actions that could escalate tensions with Russia,” the statement said.
US media recently claimed that Russian agents were allegedly using mail services to send explosives to people in Europe and North America.
Russian officials dismissed the media reports, emphasizing that such actions are impossible as postal ties between Russia and countries in Europe, the US, and Canada were severed in 2022.