Angry Russia "considers withdrawing all diplomats from Kiev"

Angry Russia "considers withdrawing all diplomats from Kiev"

"One possible option for a strong response could be to sever diplomatic relations. This option is being considered in Moscow. However, the head of state has the last word, he will make a decision based on the data collected," the daily quoted a source as saying.

"As for severing diplomatic relations - it is the prerogative of the head of state," said Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council's international affairs committee, adding: "However, Moscow must revise relations with Kiev taking into account the latest developments."

Ukrainian authorities have not yet accepted Russia's new ambassador, so Moscow's interests in the country are currently represented by interim trustee Sergei Toropov.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced earlier it had thwarted terrorist attacks in Crimea, planned by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The FSB published the name of one of the organizers of the attack. During the arrest of the terrorists involved, one FSB member was killed, while one Russian soldier died when fire was opened from the territory of Ukraine.

After these incidents, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko ordered all military units near the border along Crimea and Donbas on high alert.

On Thursday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "We call on our partners, whose efforts play a large part in keeping the current regime in Kiev in power, to show common sense and finally get their Ukrainian wards to end their constant provocations and fulfill their obligations in accordance with Minsk Agreements on a political settlement in Ukraine."