Belarus told Ukraine to cut its diplomatic presence and closed the Ukrainian consulate in Brest, Belarus, on Wednesday, citing “numerous unfriendly actions” by Ukraine.
The statement by Belarus’ Foreign Ministry, which also accused Ukrainian officials of interfering in the country’s internal affairs, did not specify how many diplomats it asked to leave. The Ukrainian ambassador and four other diplomats would be allowed to stay, according to Reuters.
The consulate was closed due to what Belarus said was a "lack of staff."
Ukrainians and other people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine will be allowed to enter Belarus visa free until April 15, the statement said.
Russia has used Belarus as a staging post for its invasion of Ukraine and the country has hosted teams of Russian and Ukrainian officials for so far unsuccessful peace negotiations, NBC News reports.
