KYIV, Feb 24 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the President Volodymyr Zelensky, has begun the procedure for breaking off diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation in accordance with international law.

"Ukraine declares the severance of diplomatic relations with Russia without severing consular relations, in accordance with Article 2 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963. We will continue to protect the rights and interests of Ukrainians in Russia, including Ukrainian political prisoners," the statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said.