Foreign Ministry notes Russian lack of respect towards Greece must stop

This also shows a lack of understanding of the modern world, in which states, regardless of size, have autonomy and can exercise independent, multidimensional and democratic foreign policy, the statement added.

"This sort of negative logic moved the four Russian nationals to take steps that led to their deportation or to the banning of their entry into Greece. The evidence, based on which Greece took action, had been presented in a timely manner to the Russian authorities. Russian authorities themselves are very well aware of what their people do," the statement said.

"This continued lack of respect towards Greece must stop. No one has the right, or can intervene, in its internal affairs," it added.

"Finally, the unsubstantiated claim that this decision was made following pressure from a third party, is not worthy of a comment and shows a mentality of people that do not understand the principals and values of Greek foreign policy," it said.