The US government has decided to deport XNUMX Russian diplomats from the United States in response to the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, Britain.
It is noted that similar decisions were reached by Germany and Poland, which are deporting eight Russian diplomats.
The announcement of the White House
"Today, President Donald J. Trump ordered the deportation of dozens of Russian diplomats from the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle due to its proximity to one of our submarine bases and Boeing. The United States is taking this action in cooperation with NATO allies and partners around the world in response to Russia's use of military-grade chemical weapons on British soil.
Today's actions make the United States safer, reducing Russia's ability to spy on Americans and conduct covert operations that threaten America's national security. With these steps, the United States and our allies and partners make it clear to Russia that its actions have consequences. "The United States is ready to work together to build a better relationship with Russia, but that can only happen with a change in the attitude of the Russian government."
The President of the European Parliament, Donald Tusk, tweeted:
"Today, 14 member states decided to expel Russian diplomats as a direct development of the discussion at the Salispuri attack on the summit. Further measures, including other deportations, are not excluded in the coming days, weeks. "
The 14 member states that deport Russian diplomats
Italy: 2
France: 4
Germany: 4
- Ukraine: 13
- Lithuania: 3
- Czech Republic: 3
- Denmark: 3
- Netherlands: 2
- Estonia: 1