US expels 60 Russian diplomats

Trump administration officials say all 60 Russians are spies working in the US under diplomatic cover, including 12 who work at Russia's mission to the United Nations. The 60 have seven days to leave the US, according toNPR.

The White House also ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle, due to espionage concerns, because it is located near a naval base.

"The United States is taking action in concert with our NATO allies and partners around the world in response to Russia's use of weapons-grade chemical weapons on British soil. This is the latest in its destabilizing behavior around the world.", a senior official ofthe US government said.

The move comes after former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury on April 3. Britain accused Russia of being behind the attack, but Moscow has repeatedly denied it. Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats, while Russia responded with similar action against the same number of British diplomats.

Russia has also promised to retaliate against the US, saying Britain has failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the poisoning.