Russia Calls For Expulsion Of US Diplomats In Response To Sanctions

Russia’s foreign minister has called for the expulsion of 35 US diplomats in response to US sanctions against Moscow.

President Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats and their families yesterday over alleged Russian hacking during the US election campaign.

The diplomats were declared ‘persona non grata’ and given 72 hours to leave the US with their families.

Two compounds said to have been used by Russian intelligence services in New York and Maryland will also be closed.

This morning, in response to the sanctions, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested President Vladimir Putin expel 31 employees at the US embassy in Moscow and 4 diplomats from the US consulate in St. Petersburg.

The Foreign Ministry also suggested banning US diplomats from their dachas in Serebryany Bor near Moscow and a warehouse on Moscow’s Dorozhnaya Street.

Russia denies any involvement and has called the US action ‘ungrounded’.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who focused on improving U.S.-Russia ties while president in 2008-2012, has voiced his disappointment at the sanctions on Friday.

Writing on Twitter, he said: ‘It is sad that the Obama administration that began its life by restoring ties ends it with anti-Russian death throes. RIP.’

President Obama had promised action against Russia following the accusations that it directed cyber-attacks on the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

The sanctions mark a new low in what have become increasingly frosty relations between Russia and the United States.