Trump administration orders expulsion of 60 Russian intelligence officials
The Trump administration on Monday expelled 60 Russian diplomats, describing them as "intelligence officers" and also ordered the closure of Russian consulate in Seattle over the use of nerve-agent allegedly by Moscow against a former Russian spy in the UK. A dozen of these expelled diplomats is based at Russia's Permanent Mission to the UN. US's decision is reminiscent of the Cold War era.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders speaks on the expulsion
"Today President Donald J Trump ordered the expulsion of dozens of Russian intelligence officers 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," Sanders stated.
Russian diplomats given 7 days to leave US
All Russian diplomats, connected to the country's intelligence agencies, and their families have been given seven days' time to leave the country. The White House said this is in retaliation for the use of nerve agent against former spy Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom, which blames Russia for the attack. Skripal, and his daughter Yulia, both remain critically ill in hospital in Britain.
United Kingdom has already expelled 23 Russian diplomats
However, Moscow has denied these allegations. The United Kingdom has already expelled 23 Russian diplomats. "The United States takes this action in conjunction with its NATO allies and partners around the world in response to Russia's use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom, the latest in its ongoing pattern of destabilizing activities around the world," Sanders said.
US ready to cooperate for a better relationship with Russia
US reserves the right to expel more intelligence officials
There are 100 Russian intelligence officials based in the US. This is the first step and the US reserves the right to expel more, said an official. US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said that the US has begun the process of expelling 12 intelligence operatives from the Russian Mission to the UN who have abused their privilege of residence in the US.
Total 12 intelligence operatives are adverse to US's national security
"After a review, we have determined that the 12 intelligence operatives engaged in espionage activities that are adverse to our national security. Our actions are consistent with the United Nations Headquarters Agreement," Haley said. "Beyond Russia's destabilizing behavior across the world, it has now used a chemical weapon within the borders of one of our closest allies," she said.
Russia uses the UN as a safe haven: Haley
"Here in New York, Russia uses the UN as a safe haven for dangerous activities within our own borders. Today, the United States and many of our friends are sending a clear message that we will not stand for Russia's misconduct," said Nikki Haley.
Strong US move after attempted murder of former Russian spy
The strong US move comes after the UK alleged that on March 4, Russia used a military-grade nerve agent to attempt to murder a British citizen and his daughter in Salisbury. "This attack on our Ally the United Kingdom put countless innocent lives at risk and resulted in serious injury to three people, including a police officer," said the State Department Spokesperson, Heather Nauert.
