Russia is suspending the work of its permanent mission to the North Atlantic Alliance, as well as NATO structures in Moscow in response to the alliance's expulsion of eight Russians.
This was announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a press conference held on Monday, October 18.
Earlier this month, NATO has expelled eight members of the Russian mission to the alliance who they determined were "undeclared Russian intelligence officers”. On October 6, it became known that the alliance has also halved the size of the Russian mission to NATO, headquartered in Brussels, from twenty to ten accredited positions -- the eight expelled Russian officials plus two other positions that will now be abolished.
The move came amid ongoing concerns about suspected killings and other aggressive actions by Russian spy services.
During the press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Kremlin's move -- which could come into effect as early as November 1 -- was a result of "NATO's actions."
Russia is also suspending the activities of the NATO military liaison mission in Moscow, Lavrov said, with staff accreditation to be withdrawn on November 1.
The NATO information bureau in Moscow, which was established at the Belgian embassy to explain the role of NATO and NATO policies to the Russian public, will also be terminated, he said.
"As a result of NATO's deliberate moves, we have practically no conditions for elementary diplomatic work and in response to NATO's actions we suspend the work of our permanent mission to NATO, including the work of the chief military envoy," said the foreign minister.
The Kremlin's moves on Monday come as the United States steps up its support to Russia's neighbors, which a senior US defense official this weekend said were "on the frontlines of Russian aggression."
"NATO is not interested in any equal dialogue or in any joint work," Lavrov said. "If so, then we do not see much need to continue to pretend that some change is possible in the foreseeable future. NATO has already, in fact, declared the impossibility of such changes."
At the time of the expulsion of the Russian officers, Moscow reacted by saying NATO's actions were inconsistent with the alliance's previous comments and undermined a chance for reconciliation.
"NATO leaders spoke about the importance of de-escalation in relations with Russia, called for resuming dialogue within the Russia-NATO Council, sending an ambassador to Brussels," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said earlier this month, according to Russian state media RIA Novosti. "If anyone believed in the sincerity of these statements, today there are none left."
Later on Monday, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said the alliance had "taken note" of Lavrov's comments, but that NATO hadn't received any official communication about the matter.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told DW that Russia's decision to shutter its NATO mission makes relations with Moscow more difficult. "We must acknowledge more and more that Russia no longer seems to be [willing to cooperate]," said Maas, who called the decision "more than just regrettable ... It will seriously damage the relationship."