Germany, Sweden and Poland expelled three Russian diplomats, in response to Moscow's expulsion of diplomats for demonstrating in support of Navalny.

"The Federal Foreign Affairs Office announced the expulsion of a Russian embassy employee in Berlin. Moscow's decision to expel three diplomats, including one German citizen, was completely unreasonable," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Swedish and Polish governments also made a similar announcement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called the three countries' decisions "unfriendly and without cause".

Diplomats from Sweden, Germany and Poland were deported on Feb. 5 accused of participating in illegal protests last month to protest the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Tens of thousands of Russians last week took part in protests in many major cities across the country, demanding that the authorities release Navalny.

Russia late last month accused the US embassy in Moscow of disclosing the routes during the protest in favor of Navalny and asked the US diplomat to explain.

The Russian Interior Ministry had previously warned people not to participate in the illegal protests.

Navalny was arrested on January 17, shortly after returning home with his wife after months of treatment in Germany.

The Russian arrest of Navalny drew criticism from the US and Western countries.