"Russia will take retaliatory measures against the actions of the Bulgarian authorities against the correspondent of "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" in Bulgaria, Alexander Gatsak, whose accreditation was revoked and he was notified of an upcoming extradition," said the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, TASS reported.
"The correspondent of "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" in Bulgaria, Alexander Gatsak, received a "black stamp" from the local authorities - his accreditation was revoked and he was informed of impending extradition," the diplomat wrote on his Telegram channel. "This is another illegal move by NATO against the Russian journalists, who are maniacally chasing us. We will take retaliatory measures."
Earlier, as reported to TASS by the publication's press service, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry without explanation canceled the accreditation of the correspondent of "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" Alexander Gatsak and threatened him with extradition.
Zakharova's announcement revealed a "revenge for revenge" strategy, with Russia responding directly to the perceived insult by expelling more than 20 German diplomats from its territory. The move echoes Germany's earlier decision to expel Russian diplomats, a move largely prompted by concerns about Russian intelligence activities. German security services believe Russian officials used their diplomatic immunity to recruit informants for sabotage or disinformation.
This escalating tension between Russia and Western nations comes amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The war has seen Germany, among other countries, seek to reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies. Therefore, expelling diplomats is more than a diplomatic chess move; it is an expression of deep-seated geopolitical tensions. /BGNES
