UPDATE - Europe closely monitoring events unfolding in Russia

UPDATES WITH STATEMENTS BY ITALIAN PREMIER, GREECE, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, NORWAY

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - European nations are closely monitoring the events unfolding in Russia as tensions escalate between the Kremlin and the Wagner paramilitary group.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement: “Aggression against Ukraine is also causing instability within the Russian Federation."

Meloni also held consultations with the country's foreign and defense ministers as well as other senior military and security figures.

Meanwhile, the country’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Twitter urged Italian citizens in Russia to exercise caution.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Twitter that he held consultations with the premier, defense minister, and the allied countries on the situation.

“The course of events beyond our eastern border is being monitored constantly,” he said.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis reiterated that they are in constant contact with the allied countries and closely monitoring the evolution of the situation in Russia.

Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Yotova called the situation “extremely alarming,” according to the state-run BTA news agency.

“We cannot yet predict how this will affect Bulgaria and what the development of events will be from now on. It is too early to make predictions,” she said.

Greece's Foreign Ministry said in statement that it is in constant contact with Greek diplomatic authorities in Russia.

The ministry also urged Greek nationals to avoid non-essential travels to Russia.

Also commenting on the matter, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said the situation in Russia is currently tense due to the armed rebellion launched by Wagner, according to the public broadcaster YLE.

“In the background, the competition for influence has been going on for a longer time. The situation is unclear and developing quickly,” she added.

Similarly, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the country is in close contact with its allies as it continues to monitor the developments.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: “We are closely monitoring the situation in Russia & we are in close contact with our Allies.” He also urged Estonian citizens to avoid traveling to Russia.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Twitter: “We are not distracted. We see clearly in the chaos. The goal, as ever, is victory and justice for Ukraine. The time is now.”

Moreover, Latvian President-elect Edgars Rinkevics said that although there is direct, serious threat to the country, border security has been strengthened.

He added that border entry of Russians leaving Russia due to current events will be suspended, he added.