The measure was reported to the ambassador of Bulgaria in Moscow, Atanás Krastin, and responds to a decision by the Bulgarian side to declare “persona non grata” 70 employees of the Russian embassy in Bulgaria, the Foreign Ministry explained.

That ministry also condemned the temporary closure of the Russian consulate in the Bulgarian city of Ruse.

“We underline that the responsibility for these counterproductive steps lies fully and completely with the Government of Bulgaria headed by Kiril Petkov,” the statement said.

According to Moscow, the actions not only “significantly damage traditional relations between the two nations and restrict the rights of our fellow citizens who lose access to consular services, but are also a sign of the degradation of the West.”

In early July, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that the country would respond with “reciprocal measures” to the expulsion of Russian diplomats, which prevents the normal operation of the accredited mission in the capital of Bulgaria.

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