Greece decided to expel two Russian diplomats from the country and to prohibit the entry of two more. They are accused of interfering in the internal affairs of the country and actions directed against the national security of Greece. This is reported by the local newspaper Kathimerini with reference to diplomatic sources.

One of the diplomats, who decided to send Greece, is a member of the Russian embassy Viktor Yakovlev. He and other diplomats are accused of collecting information and attempting to bribe Greek officials. According to the newspaper, despite the efforts of the Greek government, recently people associated with the interests of Russia are trying to interfere in the internal affairs of Greece. With the help of monetary donations, they try to influence the metropolitans of the Greek Orthodox Church, the monks of Athos and the church representations in the cities in "sensitive issues," in particular, the renaming of Macedonia. This they negatively affect the position of Greece in the Balkans, say sources Kathimerini.

The expulsion decision may also be related to the intentions of Russian diplomats to strengthen Russia's influence in Greece and the activities of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society, an international organization established in Russia that deals with the issues of pilgrimage and humanitarian cooperation of the peoples of the Middle East.

Kathimerini writes that the decision to expel Russian diplomats was the result of tension between the countries in matters of regional security that has been growing over the past two years. Sources of the newspaper emphasize that Greece intends to maintain good relations with Russia, despite the decision to send diplomats, but any "responsive steps" of Russia can only worsen the situation.