Bishop, in particular, said that she trusts the Australian security intelligence agencies, which recommended to expel Russian diplomats, according to ABC broadcaster. Meanwhile, Logvinov denied in an interview with the broadcaster that the two diplomats expelled by the Australian government were spies
"Very funny question, actually. I would be happy to see you ask this question to any of your ambassadors here in Canberra… Within my embassy there are only career diplomats," the ambassador said answering the question about the activity of the two Russian diplomats.
On Tuesday, the Australian authorities decided to expel two employees working at the Russian embassy in Canberra citing their alleged espionage activities. The move came in solidarity with London-initiated campaign on Russian diplomats expulsion in response to Russia's alleged involvement in Skripal poisoning.
More than 25 countries, including the United States and EU member states, have expelled over 150 Russian diplomats in connection with the Salisbury incident so far.
Russia, in turn, has strongly rejected the accusations and offered assistance in the investigation. However, Moscow's request for samples of the chemical substance used to poison Skripal has been rejected. In response, Moscow expelled UK diplomats and ordered the British Council to cease its activities in Russia.