Tallinn: Estonian authorities announced Wednesday the expulsion of a Russian diplomat over accusations of meddling in the country’s internal affairs.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it had decided to expel the Russian diplomat due to ongoing interference in the affairs of a NATO- and EU-member state. The diplomat was directly involved in activities undermining Estonia’s constitutional and legal system.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that the decision was necessary to prevent further actions organized by a foreign state on Estonian territory. He noted that the diplomat’s involvement included offenses related to sanctions violations, and an Estonian citizen had been convicted for these crimes.

In response, Alexei Fadeev, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Media Office, remarked that Estonia’s action was not the first of its kind and that Russia would take reciprocal measures regarding Estonian diplomats in Moscow.