Russia Expels 34 French Diplomats In Retaliatory Move

In a tit-for-tat move over the war in Ukraine, Russia on Wednesday declared 34 French diplomats persona non grata, effectively ordering their expulsion.

On its official website, the Foreign Ministry said the step was taken in response to the expulsion of 41 Russian diplomats from France.

A notice was handed to French Ambassador Pierre Levy, along with a strong protest over the actions of French authorities, the ministry said.

The expelled diplomats have to leave Russia within two weeks, the ministry said.

In April, France declared 41 Russian diplomats persona non grata in protest of the war in Ukraine.

At least 3,573 people have been killed and 3,816 injured in Ukraine since the start of the war on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The true toll is believed to be much higher.

Over 6.1 million people have fled to other countries, with some 7.7 million people internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency. -