MOSCOW – In a retaliatory measure, Russia is considering options to expel 30 US diplomats from country, as well as seizing its diplomatic properties, RT news reported while quoting a daily, Izvestia.
It further reported that Russia could confiscate a summer residence for US embassy officials in northwestern Moscow and a warehouse in the capital in response to US’ move regarding expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats and seizure of properties in 2016.
Hinting at the situation inexplicably, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow is planning to take retaliatory steps after the US closed down two of Russian diplomatic compounds and expelled diplomats.
He highlighted that compounds seized during Obama administration for allegedly interfering in US elections have not been released so far.
Talking to Izvestia, Russian Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee Deputy Head Andrey Klimov said, “In six months, Trump either could not resolve the issue or did not see fit to settle it. Now, we must draw the line and take tit-for-tat measures”.
The step would not show negative attitude of Russia for the US, but remind the others to follow international law, diplomatic etiquette, and protocol while dealing with Russia.
Sources also revealed while speaking to Izvestia that Russian President Valdmir Putin and US President Donald Trump failed to reach an agreement regarding the dispute during a meeting on sidelines of G20 summit.
On December 29, 2016, the US expelled 35 Russian diplomats and confiscated compounds in New York and Maryland for Russian government’s “aggressive harassment of US officials and cyber operations aimed at the US election.”
