The Estonian Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Vladimir Lipayev on Tuesday to present a diplomatic note on the closure of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Narva and the Consular Office of the Russian Embassy in Tartu.

"Estonia also decided to expel and declare as persona non grata 14 of their staff, including seven employees with diplomatic status," the Estonian Foreign Ministry's press service told Interfax.

Undersecretary Märt Volmer, who presented the diplomatic note to the ambassador, underlined that the individuals concerned must leave Estonia by 30 April.

Volmer said that in light of the constant news of atrocities committed by the Russian forces, including in Bucha and elsewhere, there can be no talk of business as usual, especially in view of Russia's grave violation of international law, including the international commitments it has taken upon itself.

The undersecretary added that the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held accountable.

He reiterated that Russia's actions in Ukraine were unacceptable. Russia must also withdraw its forces from Ukraine and take responsibility for the war damages it has caused.