Biggest blow to Russia: Over 125 Russian diplomats expelled from Western countries

London, March 27: Over 125 Russian diplomats have been expelled from Western countries following allegation over the use of nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain.

They took this action in solidarity with Britain, as it has already expelled 23 Russian diplomats. This is the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the height of Cold War. The countries include the United States and several European countries.

The United States expelled 60 Russian diplomats, describing them as intelligence officers and ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle. A dozen of these expelled diplomats is based at Russia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

The White House said, all Russian diplomats, connected to the country's intelligence agencies, and their families have been given seven days' time to leave the country.

Ukraine announced expulsion of 13 Russian diplomats; Poland, France, Germany and Canada 4 each; the Czech Republic and Lithuania, 3 each; the Netherlands, Italy and Denmark 2 each; Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, Finland and Romania one each.

 

British Prime Minister Theresa May welcoming the show of solidarity said 18 countries have announced plans to expel Russian officials.

Moscow has denied being behind the attack on Sergei Skirpal and his daughter in Salisbury in Britain.

66-year old Skripal and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a public bench in a shopping center on 4th of this month and remain critically ill in hospital.