We start with the collective expulsion of over 100 Russian diplomats, signaling the worsening of relations between Russia and the west. A host of nations are standing in solidarity with the UK, following the poisoning of an ex-Russian spy on British soil. Our correspondent Sean Callebs has more on the action and the fallout.  

In the United States, Canada, And the European Union - Russian diplomats are being sent packing. Their goodbye, coming with a harsh admonishment by world leaders.

THERESA MAY UK PRIME MINISTER "It is part of a pattern of increasingly aggressive Russian behaviour, but also represents a new and dangerous phase in Russia's hostile activity against Europe -and our shared values and interests."

It as the attempted killing of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal -and his daughter, by the use of chemical weapons. A number of nations are now unified -kicking Russian diplomats out of their country, saying Russia's fingerprints are all over the attack.

DONALD TUSK EU COUNCIL PRESIDENT "The European Council agree with the United Kingdom government's assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian federation is responsible, and that there's no plausible alternative explanation."

It's being called the largest collective expulsion of Russian intelligence officers in history The United States showed 60 Russian diplomats the door -and ordered a consulate in the northwestern city of Seattle closed.

JON HUNTSMAN US AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA "Today's actions make the United States a safer place by limiting the ability of Russia to spy on Americans and conduct covert activities that threaten America's national security."

Russia is calling the measures to expel diplomats -"provocative" -and said it would retaliate. Russia has also tried to pin blame on the chemical weapons attack on the U.S. and the EU. In all - these are the countries that have so far joined in the effort to punish Russia.

SEAN CALLEBS WASHINGTON "The U.S. Ambassador to the UN says, Russia has used the United Nations as a safe haven for launching its dangerous activities. And while the Russian expulsions are significant, - experts say most Russian intelligence is not gathered by agents shielded by the cloak of diplomacy - and that Moscow still has plenty of ways to spy on the west. SEAN CALLEBS, CGTN, WASHINGTON."