Dutch Minister of foreign affairs Frans Timmermans on Wednesday offered apologies for the arrest of a Russian diplomat last weekend.

According to Timmermans, the Netherlands had violated the Vienna Convention by arresting Dmitri Borodin in his house in The Hague.

The ministry was responding to an ultimatum from Russian president Vladimir Putin, who asked for an apology from the Netherlands.

Borodin was reportedly "attacked" in his home in The Hague on Sunday by "people in police uniform." This happened following complaints from neighbors about his behavior in front of children, ANP said.

Borodin was also reportedly under the influence of alcohol and a threat for his children, sources told Dutch broadcaster NOS. His wife was involved in a car accident during the same night, not far from their house in The Hague.

Timmermans added that he personally understands the actions of the Dutch police.