Russia has said that it will expel an undisclosed number of US diplomats in response to Washington’s decision to remove 12 of Moscow’s diplomats to the United Nations based in New York, Russian state media reported.
“On March 23, a note with the list of the American diplomats declared ‘persona non grata’ was handed to the head of the American diplomatic mission who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” reports the TASS news agency, citing the ministry.
“The US side has been given firm notice that any hostile action by the United States against Russia will be met with a resolute and appropriate response,” read the statement.
The decision was made in response to Washington’s expulsion of 12 Russian diplomats from the United Nations, according to the statement.
The US announced its intention to remove the diplomats on February 28 due to national security concerns, referring to them as “intelligence operatives.”
The Russian decision is the latest blow to Washington-Moscow relations, which have been strained since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered soldiers to invade Ukraine on February 24.
On Wednesday, Blinken stated that since the Russian invasion began late last month, multiple credible reports have emerged of “indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians” throughout Ukraine.
“Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the US government assesses that members of Russia’s forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine,” he said.
“Our assessment is based on a careful review of available information from public and intelligence sources. As with any alleged crime, a court of law with jurisdiction over the crime is ultimately responsible for determining criminal guilt in specific cases.”
Russia denies targeting civilians intentionally during its invasion of Ukraine, which destroyed Ukrainian cities and villages and prompted more than 3.5 million people to flee the nation.
However, Ukraine and its western supporters, including US President Joe Biden’s administration, have blamed Russia for committing war crimes in its onslaught, which will enter its second month on Thursday.
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