MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry called the expulsion of its diplomat from Ukraine an unfriendly move and pledged to take response measures.

"On July 13 the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sent a note declaring the acting Russian consul general in Odessa persona non grata," the ministry said in a statement.

"We consider this as another unfriendly move," the ministry said. "The Russian side will undoubtedly take the necessary response measures."

Chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasily Gritsak said that the diplomat was expelled "because of conducting activity incompatible with his diplomatic status, as well as for violation of provisions of the Convention."