Diplomats in turmoil

Russia summons Austria’s ambassador

After Austria declared two Russian diplomats to be undesirable persons, Russia will summon Austria's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. This was reported by the Russian state news agency TASS on Thursday, according to Reuters. 

Retaliatory measures will be taken in due course, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Kremlin ministry furious
According to TASS, the Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the expulsion of two Russian diplomats by Vienna. "The Austrian authorities have declared two diplomats of the Russian embassy in Austria persona non grata for no reason. The Russian side strongly condemns this further unfriendly step by Vienna, for the consequences of which the Austrian authorities bear full responsibility," the statement reads.

Suspected spies expelled
According to a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) on Wednesday evening, the two Russian diplomats "have taken actions that are incompatible with their diplomatic status". This wording is usually used when it comes to secret service activities.

The persons concerned must leave Austrian territory by March 19 at the latest. They had been working at the Russian bilateral embassy in Austria, not at the representation to the international organizations in Vienna.