Translated material
Bloomberg: Following the UK, the US will expel Russian diplomats
US President Donald Trump is preparing to expel Russian diplomats from the country. It is reported by Bloomberg, citing two informed sources. The number of diplomats in question is not specified.
According to sources, a new expulsion could be announced on Monday, March 26. At the same time, Trump may postpone new sanctions against Russian diplomats, as he wants to be sure that European countries will take similar steps.
The need for the expulsion of diplomats in the US presidential administration is explained by the support of Great Britain, which took similar measures in connection with the poisoning in Salisbury of former GRU officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.
“The United States stands with Britain and condemns Russia's outrageous actions. The President is mulling over how to hold Russia accountable for her actions, but so far there has been no official announcement,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah told Bloomberg.
- Britain announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats in mid-March after Russia refused to answer London's questions about the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal. According to the Times, 20 European countries are ready to announce similar measures. On March 23, the European Union withdrew its ambassador from Russia.
- In response to the expulsion of diplomats, Russia announced the closure of the British Consulate General in St. Petersburg, the suspension of the activities of the British Council in Russia. In addition, Russia also expelled 23 British diplomats.
- Former GRU officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent, which was being developed in the USSR. Both are in critical condition in the hospital. Britain believes that Russia was involved in the attempt on the former spy; The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation denies this.
- The last time the United States expelled Russian diplomats was at the end of 2016. The reason for this was the suspicion of Russian interference in the American elections.