Russia will move to expel 60 American diplomats and will shut down the United States Consulate in St. Petersburg in retaliation to the United States’ actions earlier this week, the Kremlin announced today.
In addition, nearly 100 other foreign diplomats from various countries will be expelled as well. It is the latest in the fallout between Russia and other Western countries following a nerve gas attack against an ex-spy and his daughter in the UK. Prime Minister Theresa May said more than two weeks ago that British investigators concluded that Russia was behind the attack though Russia has continued to deny any involvement.
We’ll keep you posted as this story develops.
UPDATE 4:15pm EST:
The Department of State responds to Russia’s expulsion of American diplomats and closure of the US Consulate.
With its regrettable, unwarranted decision today, it is clear that #Russia is not interested in dialogue about issues that matter to our two countries. #Russia is further isolating itself following the brazen chemical attack in the United Kingdom. – @statedeptspox pic.twitter.com/w4eA0I7Yvr
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 29, 2018
Breaking News 1:45pm EST:
Russia says it will expel 60 U.S. diplomats in retaliation for Trump’s move https://t.co/0LPiM49H5I pic.twitter.com/AbEbT25YQD
— Bloomberg (@business) March 29, 2018
BREAKING: Russia will match U.S. in expulsion of diplomats and will close the U.S. consulate in St. Petersburg. https://t.co/O0J6N7tPNk
— Axios (@axios) March 29, 2018
Russian statement says its expulsion of Americans and closing of US Consulate is "based on the principle of reciprocity." Russia also delivered a note of protest about the US expulsion of Russians, calling the actions outrageous and unreasonable,
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) March 29, 2018