A list of countries expelling Russian diplomats

World
Europe

The United States and its European allies on Monday expelled scores of Russian diplomats in a coordinated response with the UK against Moscow which they accuse of poisoning an ex-spy and his daughter on British soil.

Here is a list of the countries and the number of Russians expelled.

- US, Canada, Australia -

The United States expelled 60 alleged "spies" posted around the country and at the Russian mission to the United Nations.

It also closed the Russian consulate in Seattle over alleged spying at the nearby Kitsap submarine base and Boeing.

The retaliation against Moscow was taken "in response to Russia's use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Canada ousted four diplomats, calling the nerve agent attack "a despicable, heinous and reckless act".

The Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Manhattan, New York City, March 26, 2018. /VCG Photo

Australia followed suit with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saying two Russian diplomats had seven days to leave.

- European Union -

Eighteen EU states have joined Britain in expelling Russian diplomats foll owing a European Council decision last week to react to Moscow within a common framework.

"Additional measures including further expulsions are not to be excluded in the coming days and weeks," EU President Donald Tusk said.

Britain itself has already kicked out 23 Russian diplomats, with Moscow retaliating with a tit-for-tat move.

Croatia: One diplomat

The Czech Republic: Three diplomats

Denmark: Two diplomats

Estonia: One diplomat

France: Four diplomats

Finland: One diplomat

Germany: Four diplomats

Hungary: One diplomat

Italy: Two diplomats

Latvia: One diplomat

Lithuania: Three diplomats

The Netherlands: Two diplomats

Norway: One diplomat

Poland: Four diplomats

Romania: One diplomat

Spain: Two diplomats

Sweden: One diplomat

Ireland: One diplomat

- Outside EU -

Albania: Two diplomats

Macedonia: One diplomat

Norway: One diplomat

Moldova: Three diplomats

Ukraine: 13 diplomats

Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko called for even more action to be taken.

"The next step is to increase the price that Moscow has to pay for its international crimes, including the strengthening of personal, financial and economic sanctions," he said.

Source(s): AFP