Russia expels 24 Italian diplomats, and Draghi describes it as a "hostile act."

Russia will expel 24 Italian diplomats, the RIA news agency quoted the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying on Wednesday, in a retaliatory move that is the latest in a series of retaliation with European countries that have expelled Russian diplomats.

In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Russia's decision to expel diplomats was a "hostile act" and said diplomatic channels with Russia should not be cut off.

"This should absolutely not lead to the severing of diplomatic channels because if we succeed, through these channels, peace will be achieved and that is certainly what we want," Draghi said.

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