Russia‘s FSB security service briefly detained a Ukrainian diplomat in St Petersburg, Ukraine‘s foreign ministry said on Saturday, in the latest flare-up of tensions between the neighboring countries.
Interfax news agency earlier reported the FSB as saying Oleksandr Sosoniuk was taken into custody when he tried to obtain classified information from Russian law enforcement databases during a meeting with a Russian citizen.
“This activity is incompatible with the status of a diplomatic employee and is hostile to the Russian Federation. The foreign diplomat will be dealt with in accordance with international law,” the FSB was quoted as saying.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry said Sosoniuk was held for several hours, but was now back at the country’s consulate in St Petersburg.
Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been rising amid a build-up of Russian troops along the border and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Moscow separatists.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday pressed for peace negotiations.
“The Ukrainian side will soon decide how to respond to this provocation, taking into account current practice,” Ukraine’s foreign ministry said of Sosoniuk’s detention.
Related posts:
Iran FM reiterates Iran’s support for Syria peace talks
Russian region of Novgorod extends non-working period as COVID-19 infections rise
Sudan Security Forces Fire Tear Gas At Khartoum Protesters
One Russian diplomat expelled; Is Belgium clicking heals for its EU and NATO allies?
U.S. backed Deir Ez-Zor Military Council warns against repetition of Russian bombing
Russian FM in Syria, meets Assad in first visit since 2012
Views: 0