Moscow outraged by Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly's comments | War in Ukraine

Minister Mélanie Joly notably addressed the issue of potential regime change in Russia. (File photo)

Russia has summoned a senior Canadian diplomat to Moscow over Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's thoughts on “regime change”.

According to state media, Moscow has summoned Canadian Chargé d'Affaires Brian Ebel on Monday to tell him that Minister Joly's comments were unacceptable.

Ms Joly had said earlier this month that Western sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine have paid off as the world sees the effects on society and how badly we let's see potential regime change in Russia.

When The Canadian Press asked Ms. Joly if Ottawa now wanted regime change in Moscow, she replied that Canada was focused on the punishment of Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime, rather than the Russians who live under his rule.

Moscow has warned that this will further damage diplomatic relations, after a collapse in trade and a series of summonses from both sides over issues such as Ottawa providing security for Russian diplomats and the Russian Embassy's posting of social media posts that target the LGBTQ+ community.

Russia also claims that the Interference in internal affairs is against the 1961 Vienna Convention which governs diplomatic relations.