Kremlin says Europe expulsions of diplomats 'short-sighted move'

Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says the move will inevitably lead to 'retaliatory steps'

The Kremlin on Tuesday called mass expulsions of Russian diplomats by a number of European countries a "short-sighted move" that will only complicate communication.

"Narrowing down opportunities for diplomatic communication in such an unprecedentedly difficult crisis environment is a short-sighted move that will further complicate our communication, which is necessary to find a solution," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"And this will inevitably lead to retaliatory steps," he added.

Also read: Russia imposes visa restrictions on citizens of 'unfriendly countries'

Italy, Denmark and Sweden on Tuesday joined EU allies in expelling Russian diplomats over the war in Ukraine, with more than 120 sent packing in the last 48 hours.

On Monday, France expelled 35 Russian diplomats, and Germany announced it had expelled a "significant number" of Russian envoys.

The expulsions come amid international outrage over killings in the town of Bucha, near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, where dozens of bodies were found over the weekend in mass graves or littering the streets.