“The entire responsibility for the development of the situation rests entirely on the Icelandic side. All anti-Russian actions of Reykjavik will inevitably lead to a consequent reaction,” Moscow communicated.

In turn, the diplomatic headquarters noted that the decision taken by the Icelandic authorities to downgrade the level of diplomatic relations with Russia ruins the whole complex of Russian-Icelandic interaction, which “traditionally was based on mutual respect and multifaceted cooperation.”

“It is known that Russia made a significant contribution to the formation of a sovereign Icelandic state, being one of the first to recognize its independence, and did much to protect Iceland’s interests in difficult times for its people,” the Foreign Ministry reminded.

Earlier, the Icelandic Foreign Ministry announced the closure of its embassy in Russia as of August 1. It also demanded Russia to “reduce the scale of activities in Reykjavik” and downgrade the status of the diplomatic mission.

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