The order includes 12 Russian intelligence officers from Russia's mission to the United Nations headquarters in New York and reflects concerns that Russian intelligence activities have been increasingly aggressive, senior US administration officials said.
US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the expulsion of 60 Russians from the United States and closed the Russian consulate in Seattle over a nerve agent attack earlier this month in Britain, senior US officials said.
The order includes 12 Russian intelligence officers from Russia's mission to the United Nations headquarters in New York and reflects concerns that Russian intelligence activities have been increasingly aggressive, senior US administration officials told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Earlier on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia will respond in kind if the United States expels Russian diplomats over the poisoning of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal in Britain.
Peskov, on a conference call with reporters, said Moscow had seen only media reports about possible expulsions and would not react until it received official word from Washington. In such cases, he added, Moscow's response is based on the principle of reciprocity.
European Union member states agreed on Friday to take additional punitive measures against Russia for the nerve-agent attack on the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, who have been critical condition in a hospital since they were found unconscious on March 4 on a bench in the city of Salisbury.
White House spokesman Raj Shah said the United States is considering how to respond but would not provide details.
“The United States stands firmly with the United Kingdom in condemning Russia’s outrageous action. The President is always considering options to hold Russia accountable in response to its malign activities. We have no announcements at this time,” he said.
Moscow has denied responsibility for the attack and has retaliated against Britain’s move to expel 23 Russians by ordering out the same number of Britons.
Trump has sought to improve ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and last week in a phone call with Putin congratulated him on his disputed re-election victory.
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