23 Russian Diplomats expelled by Britain over ex-spy's poisoning

London, March 15: British Prime Minister Theresa May has expelled 23 diplomats and suspended high-level contacts with Russia including for the World Cup, saying her government found Moscow culpable of a nerve agent attack on a former spy.

Following the alleged poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, May told the Parliament that there can be no alternative conclusion other than the Russian state being responsible for their attempted murder.

Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement and its London embassy warned that May's response was totally unacceptable and shortsighted. Moscow called Britain's decision to expel 23 Russian diplomats a sign that London chose to confront with Russia and added that retaliation would follow shortly.

 

The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that Moscow's response measures will not be tardy. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today said, the use of a nerve agent in an attack in Britain on a former Russian spy is unacceptable.

The UN said, use of nerve agents as a weapon under any circumstances is unacceptable and its use by any state would constitute a serious violation of international law. All the NATO countries have expressed solidarity with the UK and offered their support in the conduct of the ongoing investigation.