Russia warns of retaliation over mass expulsions of its diplomats

Russia has threatened retaliation against United States over one of the largest mass expulsions of its diplomats in history following use of nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed the US pressured and blackmailed other countries to expel Russian diplomats, state media Tass reported.Mr Lavrov said the expulsions are the result of colossal pressure and colossal blackmail, which is Washington's chief instrument in the international scene. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the government deeply regretted the US decision to expel diplomats, and would analyze the situation before submitting a proposal for retaliatory



action to President Vladimir Putin. 

Meanwhile, United States said it wants to improve its relationship with Russia but for that to happen, Moscow must first change its behaviour. 

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Kremlin needs to understand that there are serious consequences for its alleged "destabilising" actions. 

She said US is certainly applying pressure on Russia and encouraging and working with allies and partners also to do so. She said as of now over 25 countries all around the world have expelled 150 Russian intelligence offers hiding under diplomatic cover in their countries.