Russian Ambassador: Russia is Considering Severing Diplomatic Relations with Bulgaria (UPDATED)

"Moscow is considering severing diplomatic relations with Bulgaria over a scandal involving 70 expelled Russian diplomats". This was stated by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Eleonora Mitrofanova for BNT.

Russia describes the government's actions as unprecedented. Meanwhile, it became clear that Ambassador Mitrofanova was received at the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry today, where she insisted with a verbal note on the withdrawal of the decision to expel the diplomats.

BNT reporter Tihomir Ignatov talked to the Russian ambassador - see what she said:

BNT: Everyone is now asking - what will be Russia's response?

Eleonora Mitrofanova: I think that in that case it will be very difficult. I am now in contact with Moscow. And Moscow will take very drastic measures. That cannot go unnoticed.

BNT: Like for example? What does "reciprocal asymmetric response" mean?

Eleonora Mitrofanova: Diplomatic relations may even be severed! Moscow will take the decision.

BNT: The government has once again cast a shadow of suspicion of espionage and work against the country's interests. The Prime Minister referred to SANS reports on espionage.

Eleonora Mitrofanova: You see, I want to emphasize once again. When they call the ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and say that they want to expel the diplomats, they must show that SANS has data against specific people. To say what they have done and to declare that they consider it illegal. If there is evidence, then of course, expel them. But 70 people - why? What does it mean against the interests of Bulgaria? First of all, every embassy everywhere works for the interests of its country. As well as for the development...