Donald Trump has expelled 60 Russian diplomats over the Salisbury spy attack.
A senior White House official has also ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle.
Mother shares heartbreaking casket snap of conjoined twins who died at just a few days old
Senior Trump administration officials said the expelled Russians include 12 spies who the US believes are working under diplomatic cover at Russias mission to the United Nations.
They said the Seattle consulate is a counter-intelligence concern because of its proximity to a US Navy base.
Officials added that the actions are being taken to send a message about the unacceptably high number of Russian spies in the US and to respond to the attack in the UK.
The expelled Russians will have seven days to leave the US.
AdvertisementAdvertisement
It marks one of the most significant actions taken by the Trump administration against Vladimir Putin.
When is Hanuman Jayanti 2018 and how is it celebrated?
Less than a week ago, Trump congratulated Putin by phone for his re-election but didnt raise the spy case, renewing questions about whether the US president is too soft on the Kremlin.
European Council president Donald Tusk confirmed 14 member nations, including Russias neighbours, have expelled Russian diplomatic staff.
Germany is expected to kick out four Russian diplomats, with the German foreign minister Heiko Maas saying its clear that this attack cant remain without consequences.
We didnt take the decision to expel Russian diplomats lightly, he added.
But the facts and the indications point to Russia. The Russian government so far hasnt answered any open questions and has shown no readiness to want to play a constructive role in clarifying the attack.
The Ukrainian president announced the expulsion of 13 Russian diplomats.
Denmark announced its giving two the boot, while the Czech Republic and Lithuania are expelling three each, respectively.
More: World
AdvertisementAdvertisement
[contf] [contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]