Moscow does not rule out severing diplomatic ties with Western countries if the expulsion of Russian diplomats continues, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
"The expulsion of diplomats is a decision that closes the window to diplomatic relations," Peskov told French TV channel LCI in an interview, pondering the possibility of Russia cutting diplomatic ties with France and other countries.
At the same time, the Kremlin spokesman highlighted the importance of preserving diplomatic relations in the wake of the current global tensions.
Peskov went on to note that Moscow appreciates the diplomatic efforts of French President Emmanuel Macron amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"France has a special role. The efforts of President Macron are greatly appreciated. We value the ongoing dialogue with President [Vladimir] Putin. We greatly respect efforts to facilitate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia," the Kremlin spokesman said.
In recent days, several European countries have expelled large numbers of Russian diplomats, intensifying pressure in the wake of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine. Among the nations that decided to kick Russian diplomats out are Luxembourg, France, Spain, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. According to Sputnik's estimations, some 300 Russian envoys have been expelled from the Western countries, and the number can be expected to grow.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has blasted the pan-European move to boot Russian diplomats as an "information and political" attack against Moscow.