France will expel "a number of Russian personnel with diplomatic status," according to a statement from the country's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The decision refers to "Russian personnel with diplomatic status stationed in France whose activities are against our security interests."

The ministry added in the statement that this decision was part of steps being taken at European level.

"Our first responsibility is to ensure the security of the French and Europeans," it noted.

Earlier on Monday, Germany also decided to expel a "significant number" of Russian diplomats, calling their activities a "threat" to refugees in the country.