Current:Home > InvestUS expels two Russian diplomats to retaliate for the expulsion of two American diplomats from Moscow -WealthTrack
US expels two Russian diplomats to retaliate for the expulsion of two American diplomats from Moscow
View
Date:2025-04-17 19:26:53
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Friday ordered two Russian diplomats expelled from the United States in retaliation for the expulsion of two U.S. diplomats from Moscow last month.
The State Department said it had taken the action in response to Russia declaring the two American diplomats persona non grata because of contacts with a Russian national who had once worked for the now-closed U.S. consulate in Russia’s far-eastern city of Vladivostok and was arrested this year.
“The department will not tolerate the Russian government’s pattern of harassment of our diplomats,” spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. “Unacceptable actions against our embassy personnel in Moscow will have consequences.”
The expulsions come at a time of animosity between Washington and Moscow over the war in Ukraine and as diplomatic relations have plummeted to their worst level since the Cold War.
On Sept. 14, Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused the first secretary at the U.S. Embassy in Russia, Jeffrey Sillin, and the second secretary, David Bernstein, of “illegal activity” and ordered them to leave the country within seven days.
The ministry said they had “kept in touch” with the former consulate employee, Robert Shonov, who was accused of collecting information for U.S. diplomats about Russia’s military action in Ukraine and related issues.
Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB, reported the arrest of Shonov in August. The FSB said he had gathered “information about the special military operation, mobilization processes in Russian regions, problems and the assessment of their influence on protest activities of the population in the runup to the 2024 presidential election.”
The U.S. categorically rejected the claims.
veryGood! (2)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- They often foot the bill. But, can parents ask for college grades?
- Martin Sheen, more 'West Wing' stars reunite on Oval Office set at Emmys
- Who plays on Monday Night Football? Breaking down Week 2 matchup
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Another earthquake rattles Southern California: Magnitude 3.6 quake registered in Los Angeles area
- Texas lawmakers question agency’s ability to oversee $5 billion energy loan program after glitch
- Maine commission considers public flood insurance
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- A pipeline has exploded and is on fire in a Houston suburb, forcing evacuations
Ranking
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- A secretive group recruited far-right candidates in key US House races. It could help Democrats
- Polaris Dawn mission comes to end with SpaceX Dragon landing off Florida coast
- Michaela Mabinty DePrince's Mom Elaine DePrince Died 24 Hours After the Ballerina
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- Sustainable investing advocate says ‘anti-woke’ backlash in US won’t stop the movement
- Target brings back popular car seat-trade in program: How you can get the discount
- The next generation of Buffetts is poised to become one of the biggest forces in philanthropy
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Georgia keeps No. 1 spot ahead of Texas in NCAA Re-Rank 1-134 as Florida State tumbles
They often foot the bill. But, can parents ask for college grades?
Isiah Pacheco injury update: Chiefs RB leaves stadium on crutches after hurting ankle
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
The Fate of Emily in Paris Revealed After Season 4
Panthers bench former No. 1 pick Bryce Young, will start Andy Dalton at QB
'Shogun' rules Emmys; Who is Anna Sawai? Where have we seen Hiroyuki Sanada before?