US to expel Russia Diplomats over poisoning of Russian Spy in the UK

Washington: There are indications of a new dispute being sparked between the United States and Russia on the issue of poisoning of the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal. The United States has taken an aggressive stance against Russia in support of the UK and has indicated expulsion of Russian officials from the US. According to sources from the United States, US President Donald Trump has already taken the decision and an announcement is expected soon. Before this, former US President Barak Obama had expelled 35 Russian officials on the issue of interference in the elections in 2016.

The report of expulsion of Russian officials is based on the information given to the media by sources in the US administration. President Trump had discussions with senior officials on Friday which included Defence Minister James Mattis, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The officials informed that President Trump also had discussions with John Huntsman, the US ambassador to Russia. Other than this, President Trump will also consider the advice of the ‘National Security Council’, according to the sources.

Raj Shah, the Deputy Press Secretary of the White House reiterated that the United States is firmly behind the UK on the issue of poisoning of the former Russia spy. ‘US will firmly stand behind Britain against the annoying Russian activities. Russia will be held responsible for its deplorable actions and a strong action will be taken against it and President Trump is exploring different alternatives,’ Shah issued a warning to Russia in these words. But he refused to comment about the nature of the action.

Britain had expelled 23 Russian diplomats after the poisoning of the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain. The members of the European Union had announced recalling their envoys to Russia in support of the British action. Around 10 countries in Europe indicated expulsion of the Russian diplomats. President Trump will announce his decision after the declaration of action by the European countries, indicated the US officials.

Former President Barak Obama had expelled 35 Russian diplomats on the issue of interference in the US elections. Russia had reacted very strongly against it. Russian President had taken a decision to expel as many as 755 US officials. The analysts had claimed sparking a cold-war- like political conflict between Russia and the United States due to this action.