After Russian envoy dismissed from Poland, Russia expels Polish diplomats

Russia’s relations with Nato and EU member states have worsened sharply because of its conduct in Ukraine.

After Russia annexed Crimea, it was also accused of fomenting unrest in the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Russia denies claims that it has sent heavy weaponry and regular servicemen to the east.

Poland, a former eastern bloc state, joined Nato in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Polish officials said initially that a Russian diplomat had been expelled for contact with a Polish army colonel who was arrested last month on suspicion of spying. They said the diplomat had been working for Russia’s GRU military intelligence.