British Foreign Secretary: Russia's retaliation is futile

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Photo: AFP

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that in response to London's actions, Moscow would expel 23 British diplomats, close the British Consulate General in Saint-Peterburg and ban the activities of the non-governmental organization British Council.

"These useless measures will only punish ordinary Russians, depriving them of the opportunity to learn English and get a British visa," Mr. Johnson said.

The British Foreign Secretary called the "poisoning" of former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal a "stab in the back" for the UK because London "strongly opposes the terrible acts" of the Kremlin.

Mr Johnson noted that the leaders of Germany, France and the US had all expressed support for London.

Relations between Russia and Britain have deteriorated sharply in the wake of the Salisbury incident, where two people were found poisoned: former British intelligence officer Colonel Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

The British side asserted that Skripal was poisoned with a nerve agent from the "Novichok" group with the participation of the Russian State.

British Prime Minister Theresa May announced a series of measures against Russia, including the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats and the freezing of all high-level bilateral contacts. Russia has strongly denied allegations of "involvement" in the Skripal case.