Moscow said on Friday the Latvian ambassador had two weeks to leave Russia, accusing the Baltic state and EU member of “total Russophobia”.
The latest expulsion comes after Russia on Monday downgraded diplomatic relations with Estonia and ordered its ambassador to leave the country after making the same accusation against Tallinn.
Estonia retaliated, telling the Russian ambassador to leave Tallinn, and in solidarity, Latvia on Monday also ordered the Russian ambassador to leave Tallinn, saying it would downgrade diplomatic relations.
“Latvia’s Ambassador Maris Riekstins has been instructed to leave the Russian Federation within two weeks,” the Foreign Ministry said in Moscow on Friday.
Latvia’s decision to downgrade ties “would have consequences,” the ministry added.
Moscow accused both Baltic states of “total Russophobia” and “hostile steps against Russia”.
Tensions between Russia and its European neighbors have increased after President Vladimir Putin sent Russian troops to Ukraine on February 24 last year.
Baltic neighbor Lithuania downgraded its diplomatic ties with Russia back in April in response to atrocities committed by Russian occupying forces in the Kiev suburb of Bucha.