Trump orders expulsion of dozens of Russian diplomats, closure of consulate in Seattle

FoxNews.com ^ | Alex Pappas

[RoosterRedux]

President Trump on Monday ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian intelligence officers in the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle in response to the nerve agent attack on an ex-Russian spy in the U.K. earlier this month, senior administration officials said.

The steps, following Britain's expulsion of Russian diplomats, are meant to send a message to Moscow that actions have consequences, the officials said. The Seattle consulate is being closed because of its proximity to submarine bases, as well as Boeing.

“With these steps, the United States and our allies and partners make clear to Russia that its actions have consequences,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. “The United States stands ready to cooperate to build a better relationship with Russia, but this can only happen with a change in the Russian government’s behavior.”

Russia, which has been blamed for the attack, has denied wrongdoing.

Officials said a total of 60 Russians are being expelled, including 48 at the Russian embassy and 12 at the United Nations. The individuals and their families have been given seven days to leave the United States.

"Today, the United States began the process of expelling 12 intelligence operatives from the Russian Mission to the United Nations who have abused their privilege of residence in the United States," UN Ambassador Nikki Haley said Monday. "After a review, we have determined that the 12 intelligence operatives engaged in espionage activities that are adverse to‎ our national security."

[CrimsonTidegirl]

I wasn’t referring to the UK incident. My post was about Globalism and that Hungary and Poland are the few European nations who are bravely standing up for Western Civilization.

I don’t agree with expelling the diplomats. There is not enough evidence to implicate Russia.

I do wish Theresa May would be as angry and hysterical over the Muslim rape gangs terrorizing her country as she is over something as minor as an old Russian spy.

[rbmillerjr]

“Why? Let China do that work. Tired of being the universal policeman.”

Universal Policeman?

It’s called defending American interests. The amount of trade that travels the Pacific, specifically the South China Sea is much larger than Europe.

It is our responsibility to ensure our economic national interest is defended. Russia is a nuisance problem, China is a security and economic security threat.

[gleeaikin]

“talk” has been Russia has supplied the Taliban over the past 2 weeks,

I am unclear whether the talk has been during the past 2 weeks, or whether Russia has been supplying the Taliban during the past 2 weeks. Or did Russia supply the Taliban many years ago, but they are just now talking about it? I recently read a 20 year old book and I remember that Russian interference in Afghanistan was mentioned so I will have to go back to see what was said. This was separate from their vicious war there.