Russian spy: Moscow ‘will expel British diplomats soon’
March 15, 2018 by admin
Filed under Latest Lingerie News
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Reuters
The embassy is waiting to learn about the Russian response
Russia will expel UK diplomats “soon”, its foreign minister has said, in response to the expulsion of 23 of its diplomats by Britain.
Sergei Lavrov told Russian media the expulsions would “definitely” happen.
The UK took its action after Moscow refused to explain how a Russian-made nerve agent was used on a former spy and his daughter in the UK.
Russia denies it was involved. Its foreign ministry called the allegations by PM Theresa May “insane”.
Russia described the UK’s position as irresponsible and not backed up by evidence.
When asked when the expulsions would happen, Mr Lavrov was quoted as saying: “Absolutely. Soon. I promise you that.”
- What we know so far
- White House backs UK decision to expel diplomats
- How is the UK retaliating against Russia?
- UK to build new chemical defence centre
He reportedly referred to the UK allegations against Russia as “absolutely boorish”.
Mr Lavrov also said the UK’s approach to the matter was partly prompted by the government’s problems over Brexit.
Former spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia Skripal, 33, remain critically ill in hospital after being found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on 4 March.
The chemical used in the attack has been identified part of a group of nerve agents developed by Russia known as Novichok, Mrs May said.
- The spy at centre of poison mystery
- What are Novichok nerve agents?
- Kuenssberg: No easy choices for UK
- Boris Johnson: This is not another Cold War
The PM said there was “no alternative conclusion” than to believe Russia was “culpable” for the poisonings.
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EPA/ Yulia Skripal/Facebook
Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, are in a critical condition in hospital
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson stepped up the war of words with Russia on Thursday.
He said the attack was Russia’s “way of saying to people this is what happens to people who stand up to our regime”.
Mr Johnson said: “Now is the moment for [President Vladimir] Putin to jam the lid down and send a signal to people: ‘You do this, you’re going to die.’”
On Wednesday, the White House said it “stands in solidarity” with “its closest ally” the UK and supported its decision to expel the Russian diplomats.
President Donald Trump’s spokeswoman accused Russia of undermining the security of countries worldwide.
