Russia responded symmetrically to expulsion of diplomats from Moldova, Putin has decided not to take tougher steps so far - Lavrov
KALININGRAD. June 6 (Interfax) - In response to Moldova's decision to expel five Russian diplomats, some Russian officials proposed various tough retaliatory measures, including restrictions for migrant workers from Moldova, but President Vladimir Putin has decided not to do this for the time being, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"I won't deny that some of our colleagues had the temptation to impose such 'punitive measures' as well, including restrictions on migrant workers from Moldova, which would be very deplorable, and so President Putin decided not to do this at this stage," Lavrov said at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University in Kaliningrad on Tuesday.
However, Moscow's patience is not unlimited, he said.
Moldova declared five diplomats from the Russian embassy in Chisinau personae non gratae on May 29. They were told to leave the country within 72 hours.
In response to this, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on May 31 that five Moldovan diplomats would be expelled from Russia.
