Russia expels two Bulgarian diplomats - ministry

Russia declared two Bulgarian diplomats personae non grata on Monday, the Russian foreign ministry said, describing the move as a response to Bulgaria's expulsion last month of two Russian diplomats suspected of spying.

The ministry said in statement that Moscow viewed Bulgaria's move as groundless.

NATO member Bulgaria, which usually maintains good ties with Russia, has kicked out three other Russian diplomats over espionage allegations since last October. It also declined to grant a visa to Russia's incoming defence attache in December.