Several EU countries are considering the option to recall their diplomats from Russia or expel Russian diplomats due to the incident with Russia’s former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter allegedly poisoned in Salisbury.

"Some member states are considering the possibility of recalling national diplomats and/or expelling Russian ones," he said.

According to the diplomat, "so far less than half of EU member-countries are ready to assume such measures," including Poland, France and the three Baltic states. "Regarding the time it is early to say now. First, a decision should be made, which is followed by national procedures," the source said.

On March 4, ex-Colonel of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate convicted for spying for the United Kingdom, Sergey Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were exposed to a nerve agent. They were found unconscious on a bench near a shopping center in Salisbury. On March 12, British Prime Minister Theresa May said it was highly likely that Russia was responsible for the attack on Skripal and his daughter. PM accused Russia of "an unlawful use of force" against her country. Later she announced that London would expel 23 Russian diplomats and take other measures against Moscow.

On March 17, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that 23 British diplomats have been declared persona non grata and would be expelled within a week. Moreover, the ministry stated that Moscow would withdraw permission to open the British Consulate General in St. Petersburg and terminate the British Council in the Russian Federation.