Russia expels 5 Sweden diplomats in retaliatory move

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - In a tit-for-tat move, Russia on Thursday declared five Swedish diplomats, including three employees of the defense office, persona non grata.

The decision was conveyed to Swedish envoy Malena Mard, who was summoned to the Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said it is closing its consulate general in the Swedish city of Gothenburg from Sept. 1, adding that Sweden also has to close its consulate general in Saint Petersburg as the authorization for its work has been revoked.

The ministry said the expulsion of five Russian diplomats from Sweden on April 26 was a "hostile step."

The Swedish actions have further deteriorated bilateral relations due to the ongoing "Russophobic" campaign in Sweden, it stressed.