The Trump administration expelled 60 Russian diplomats and closed the Russian Consulate in Seattle as a response to the attempted murder of an ex-Russian spy who was in the United Kingdom. Investigators say that the Russian government was involved in the attack which used a nerve-agent to poison the former Russian spy. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the plot.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said that the measures were meant to show "Russia that its actions have consequences."
The Trump administration says the 60 diplomats were Russian spies who were working in the United States under diplomatic cover. 12 of the diplomats worked at the United Nations, while the other 48 were employed at the Russian Embassy. Administrations officials said the decision to close the Russian Consulate in Seattle was because of its close proximity to a major naval base.
The diplomats will have seven days to leave the country.
The actions come after the British government expelled 23 Russian diplomats last week in response to the alleged Russian attack. In response, The Kremlin kicked 23 British diplomats out of the country.
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