The United States said on October 6 it was expelling two Russian diplomats in a retaliatory step after Moscow kicked out two Americans last month. "In response to the Russian Federation's specious expulsion of two U.S. Embassy Moscow diplomats, the State Department reciprocated by declaring persona non grata two Russian Embassy officials operating in the United States," a State Department spokesperson said. The State Department "will not tolerate the Russian government's pattern of harassment of our diplomats," the spokesperson said.
U.S. Expels Two Russian Diplomats In Reciprocal Step
The Russian flag flies on the grounds of the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (file photo)