Russia bans entry of Montenegrin officials

The Russian Foreign Ministry has sent a note to the embassy of Montenegro banning Foreign Minister Ranko Krivokapić, Defense Minister Rasko Konjevic and former head of National Security Agency Savo Kentera.

“This measure is a response to another hostile decision taken by Montenegro in September to declare “persona non grata” of diplomats of the Russian Embassy in Podgorica,” "Kommersant" reports, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Montenegro declared six Russian diplomats persona non grata on September 29. Prior to that, such decisions were announced on March 4 and August 12. On April 20, Russian Ambassador to Montenegro Vladislav Maslennikov described relations between the two countries as follows: "In fact, relations with Russia are being sacrificed for the future, in the long run - for joining the European Union."