Russia says it will no longer participate in the work of the Council of Europe, following its suspension from the body in the wake of Ukraine invasion.

“Russia will not participate in the transformation of Europe’s oldest organisation by NATO and the EU, which obediently follows it, into another platform for Western domination and narcissism.

“They should have fun communicating with each other, without Russia,” a statement from Kremlin foreign ministry said.

The exit from the Council of Europe also entails the exit from all mechanisms,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

The foreign ministry said that states opposed to Russia would abuse their majority in the committee of ministers with representatives of the 47 member states and thus continue the “destruction” of the Council of Europe.

Russia repeatedly complains of alleged discrimination.

The council had reacted to the Russian attack on Ukraine by suspending it.

This decision was considered historic. Russia temporarily lost its representation rights in the Strasbourg-based organisation.

Meanwhile, the country will formally remain a member until the end of the financial year, Russian politicians in Moscow emphasised. 

(dpa/NAN)