Ex-Russian Spy Mystery: Kremlin readies response to expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats from UK

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Russian media reports indicate the Kremlin will expel British diplomats based in Moscow. The move is in retaliation for the expulsion of 23 Russian envoys from London, in the growing diplomatic crisis surrounding an attack involving a 'weapons grade' chemical in Britain. Richard Bestic reports from the UK capital.

All quiet outside the Russian embassy in London and the diplomatic mission prepares to send home 23 of its diplomats. Adjustments to the flag suggesting the expulsions have done little to damage Russian national pride. UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson touring TV and radio studios to justify a reaction to attempted murder on British soil:

BORIS JOHNSON UK FOREIGN SECRETARY "There's very little doubt in people's minds that this is a signature act by the Russian state deliberately using Novichok, a nerve agent developed by Russia to punish a Russian defector as they would see it."

At the British embassy in Moscow they're waiting for official news of the Kremlin's reaction expected to be a tit-for-tat response with expulsions of British diplomats. From the foreign ministry in Moscow counter accusations, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says accusing Russia of attempted murder on the streets of Britain is just a political distraction.

SERGEI LAVROV RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER "I think that this is obvious story that reflects, firstly, the despair of the current government of Great Britain, especially in a situation where they cannot fulfil the promises which they gave to their population regarding exit from the European Union, but there will be an answer very soon, I guarantee it."

Support for the British comes from traditional quarters, NATO condemning the attack as a breach of international norms.

JENS STOLTENBERG NATO SECRETARY GENERAL "This is the first offensive use of a nerve agent on Alliance territory since NATO's foundation. All allies agree that the attack was a clear breach of international norms and agreements."

The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia is to be discussed at next week's summit of European Union leaders, according to the EU Council President.

DONALD TUSK EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT "I would like to express my full solidarity with Prime Minister Theresa May in the face of the brutal attack, which was inspired, most likely, by Moscow."

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON UK Prime Minister Theresa May, here visiting the scene of the chemical attack for the first time, will be keen for some practical support from her international friends, acutely aware that comforting words alone will barely suffice in what looks set to be a protracted diplomatic battle with Moscow. Richard Bestic CGTN London.