Slovakia has told Russia it must cut 35 staff members at its embassy in Bratislava because of the actions of another Russian diplomat.
"This step is a necessary response to the continuation of activities of Russian Embassy staff that conflict with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the interests of the Slovak Republic and efforts to develop partnerships with the Russian Federation," the Slovak Foreign Ministry said in a statement on March 30.
"In this context, we regret that, following the previous expulsions of Russian diplomats in the last two years, the Russian diplomatic mission has not shown any interest in operating correctly on our territory," it added.
Slovakia did not give details on the activities it found unacceptable, nor did it give a time frame for when the cuts must be made.
On March 14, Bratislava expelled three Russian Embassy staff members, citing information from Slovakia's secret service.
In announcing those expulsions, the Slovak Foreign Ministry "strongly" urged Russian Embassy representatives to "perform their activities in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."
