A crude provocation has reportedly been undertaken against two employees of the Russian Permanent Representation to NATO, whom the alliance’s security functionaries would like to expel from Brussels on an absolutely trumped pretext without any articulate explanation.

This outrageous action basically runs counter to statements by NATO’s leadership on its readiness to normalize ties with Russia. It is obvious to us that the forces behind this provocation are not interested in giving an impetus to the current trend towards improving relations. They are hectically seeking pretexts for obstructing the mutually advantageous development of Russia-NATO and Russia-Europe dialogue. And they are completely unscrupulous in their bid.

We urge all NATO members to think of the consequences of what is happening. Of course, we will draw our own conclusions from this provocation.