The Netherlands announced the expulsion of 17 Russian diplomats and Belgium - 21 because of suspicions of espionage, the Czech Republic - one because of involvement in the Russian special services, and Ireland - 4 diplomats because of " This is written by "

Representatives of the Russian Federation, suspected of espionage, will have to leave the Netherlands within two weeks.

" We made this decision for the security of the Netherlands,"

Hoekstra added that after that, retaliatory actions from the Russian Federation are likely to follow: the country will expel Dutch diplomats.

The Federal Government of Belgium is also expelling 21 Russian diplomats accredited at the Russian Embassy in Brussels or the Consulate General in Antwerp. They must leave the country within 15 days.

According to Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes, the decision was made due to "

Czech Republic expels one employee of the Russian Embassy on suspicion of involvement in the Russian special services. He must leave within three days..

" The employee must leave the Czech Republic within 72 hours. Together with our allies, we are limiting the presence of Russian intelligence services in the EU,"

At the same time, four high-ranking officials of the Russian embassy in Ireland were asked to leave the country due to "

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Earlier, Poland announced plans to expel 40 Russian diplomats for espionage..