German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has condemned Russia for the atrocities in the Ukrainian city of Bucha, saying her country will expel a significant number of Russian diplomats based in Berlin.

Baerbock said, "The images from Bucha reveal the unbelievable brutality of the Russian leadership and those who follow its propaganda."

She added, "We must also be clear that we must stand up for our freedom and be prepared to defend it." German media report 40 Russian diplomats will be expelled.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told Russia's Interfax news agency that Moscow will respond to Germany's "malicious act."

France has also announced it will expel numerous Russian diplomats because their activities were contrary to its security interests.

Lithuania says it will expel Russia's ambassador and recall its ambassador in Moscow.

The Baltic country will also close a Russian consulate in the western port city of Klaipeda.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is showing defiance. He has suspended Russia's simplified visa issuance regime for some nations it deems "unfriendly."

Countries targeted by the decree include European Union nations, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

On March 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the country was mulling restricting the entry of citizens from countries and territories it deems "unfriendly."