The Russian Foreign Ministry says it can't discern how to convene a NATO-Russia Council in the current climate, considering absurd NATO's statements regarding a readiness for dialogue while expelling Russian diplomats.

Axar.az informs citing sputniknews.com.

"Yes, indeed, seven people have been declared undesirable. And they (in Brussels) have announced that they will not issue visas to three other employees," Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Grushko stated.

According to the diplomat, the next meeting of the Russia-NATO Council (NRC) cannot be convened under the conditions of Russian diplomats being expelled.

"NATO, expelling Russian diplomats, cuts the branch on which it sits. This contradicts the numerous statements made by the Secretary-General and other representatives of the alliance about NATO being interested in a political dialogue and the convening of a regular meeting of the NRC… How can it be convened under these conditions?" the Alexander Grushko said.