Press reports say Russia may cut off diplomatic relations with Ukraine

Moscow is considering options to respond to attempts by Ukrainian intelligence to organize sabotage in Crimea, and will discuss the possibility of severing diplomatic relations between the two countries, - the newspaper "Izvestia" reported, citing sources in the Russian diplomatic community.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

"Izvestia" writes that in response Moscow may close the Russian Embassy in Kiev, and withdraw the entire diplomatic mission from the country.

"One of the tough response options could be the severance of diplomatic relations. Moscow is considering this option. However, the final decision will be made by the head of state, who will make the decision based on the collected data," the newspaper quoted the source as saying.

"Severing diplomatic relations is a move within the competence of the head of state. But Moscow needs to reconsider its relations with Kiev, taking into account recent developments," Vladimir Dzhabarov, Deputy Head of the International Committee of the Federation Council of Russia, told the "Izvestia" correspondent.

According to Sputnik