Russia Invades Ukraine, Czech Asks Moscow Diplomat To Resign

JAKARTA - The Czech Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Russian diplomats on Friday to resign, following the invasion of Ukraine, to avoid becoming accomplices in the 'apocalyptic annihilation' of a sovereign nation.

"Friends, we ask those of you who have a conscience and who maintain the capacity to recognize evil, remove yourself from this circle of accomplices," the Foreign Ministry said.

There was no immediate response from the Russian embassy in Prague for a request for comment.

Relations between the EU and Russia have reached historic lows after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the biggest attack on a European country since World War Two.

In a letter first posted on Twitter, then emailed to Reuters by the ministry's press department in response to a question, the ministry urged Russian diplomats to abandon the "sunken ship."

"We call on you, those of good morals and heart, to leave this sunken ship, which only draws the ire of freedom-loving people around the world," the ministry added.

It said Russia would face consequences for being responsible for the 'apocalyptic destruction' of sovereign Ukraine.

The Czech Republic has joined several other European Union countries in expelling Russian diplomats in recent weeks, some over spying allegations.

Having been embroiled in tensions last year, the Czech government reduced the staff of the Russian Embassy, after accusing Russian intelligence agents of blowing up an arms depot in 2014. Meanwhile, Russia has denied involvement in the explosion.

For information, Russia has called its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation" to destroy the military capabilities of its southern neighbor and capture what it considers dangerous nationalists. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Western countries say the Moscow invasion was completely unwarranted.