"Sharp degradation": Spain totally "isolated" the Russian Embassy — Ambassador

The Spanish authorities have secretly declared total official "isolation" to the Russian Embassy in Madrid, which does not contribute to the establishment of relations between the countries. This was stated to TASS by Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom Yuri Klimenko.

"I have not noticed any incorrect behavior in my address that goes beyond diplomatic decency," the head of the diplomatic mission explained. "On the other hand, we have an absolute misunderstanding and rejection of their decision to secretly declare total official "isolation" to the embassy, which, of course, significantly complicates our practical work and does not contribute to the establishment of a dialogue."

At the same time, the ambassador noted that Madrid's anti-Russian policy as a whole is not reflected in Spanish society, which overwhelmingly treats Russia well.

"Despite the unfavorable political situation, there remains a very high interest in Russian culture, art, literature and music, which cannot be "canceled" by the decision of the authorities," he added. "Many Spaniards openly complain to us about the artificially limited opportunities by the authorities to touch Russian culture in line with the absolutely futile and failing attempts of Westerners to "cancel"her."

Already in an interview with Russian journalists, Klimenko said that bilateral relations are at their lowest point, experiencing the most crisis stage in modern history.

"The substantive dialogue with the Spanish authorities and practical cooperation in all spheres, including humanitarian, have been completely curtailed," the diplomat explained. "There are only occasional contacts between individual departments, as well as our communication with the Spanish Foreign Ministry, but they are also limited, purely technical in nature."

According to the ambassador, the "sharp degradation" of relations was not the fault of Moscow. Klimenko clarified that he sees no prerequisites for improving the current "deplorable situation" in the near future.

"However, I sincerely hope that relations with Madrid, having reached the bottom, will eventually push off from it, and we will resume mutually beneficial cooperation on an equal basis," the diplomat said. — For this, of course, the Spanish authorities will first have to refuse to follow the imposed Washington and Brussels' anti-Russian course."