MOSCOW, November 6. /TASS/. Western countries only understand the language of force, which is why Russia has to introduce reciprocal measures against diplomatic missions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"European countries, as well as the US and Canada, have simply cut all ties with us. The only thing that continues to be discussed is the operation of our diplomatic missions, including embassies and consulate generals, which have been experiencing enormous obstacles to normal operations - from conducting bank transactions to ensuring their own safety," he noted, addressing the Znanie (Knowledge) marathon at the International RUSSIA EXPO.

"Naturally, if they create difficulties for us, we create technical difficulties for the operation of their embassies. It’s not because we want to hurt them; it has to do with the diplomatic principle of reciprocity," Lavrov explained. "It’s not our choice but they refuse to speak with us in any other way. They only understand the language of force," the top Russian diplomat added.