Russian State Media,

"Russia lowers the diplomatic level of relations with Estonia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

— The Estonian ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was protested strongly in connection with the actions of the Estonian authorities. The ambassador was ordered to leave the Russian Federation on February 7. The level of the diplomatic representative in both countries has been lowered to charge d'affaires.

The ministry explained that all responsibility for such a development of bilateral relations lies entirely with Estonia, and added that the Russian Federation will continue to respond to the hostile steps of the Estonian leadership."