Sweden expels Russian diplomat in tit-for-tat move

"This is a clear response to the unacceptable decision to expel a Swedish diplomat who was only performing his duties," Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde tweeted on Monday. Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Moscow considered the actions of the diplomats unacceptable.

Sweden has informed Russia that a member of staff from the Russian embassy will be asked to leave Sweden, after a Swedish diplomat was expelled from Russia last week.

The move comes after Russia on Friday expelled diplomats from Sweden, Germany and Poland, accusing them of taking part in illegal protests last month against the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "This is a clear response to the unacceptable decision to expel a Swedish diplomat who was only performing his duties," Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde tweeted on Monday.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Moscow considered the actions of the diplomats unacceptable. However, Sweden denied its diplomat was involved in the demonstration. "We refute Russia's claim that the diplomat participated in the demonstration," a Swedish Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Friday.

The European Union on Monday was forced to defend a visit by its top diplomat, Josep Borrell, to Russia last week, which coincided with the expulsion of three EU diplomats while he was holding talks.