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, - Izvestia newspaper reported citing sources in Russian diplomatic circles.

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.

"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 source said.

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

According to Sputnik