Trump considers expelling some Russian diplomats over poison attack - source

By Steve Holland

 

Police officers prepare equipment as inspectors from the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) begin work at the scene of the nerve agent attack on former Russian agent Sergei Skripal, in Salisbury, Britain March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump is considering the expulsion of some Russian diplomats in the United States in solidarity with Britain over the poisoning of a former Russian spy in England, a source familiar with the situation said on Sunday.

 

The move may be contingent on how European capitals respond to the nerve agent attack, the source said.

 

An announcement of the U.S. decision could be made as early as Monday, the source said.

 

European Union member states agreed on Friday to take additional punitive measures against Russia for the nerve-agent attack on the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who have been critical in hospital since they were found unconscious on March 4 on a bench in the city of Salisbury.

 

White House spokesman Raj Shah said the United States is considering how to respond but would not provide details.

 

"The United States stands firmly with the United Kingdom in condemning Russia’s outrageous action. The President is always considering options to hold Russia accountable in response to its malign activities. We have no announcements at this time," he said.

 

Moscow has denied responsibility for the attack and has retaliated against Britain’s move to expel 23 Russians by ordering out the same number of Britons.

 

The United States joined with Britain in blaming Russia for the attack.

 

Trump has sought to improve ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and last week in a phone call with Putin congratulated him his disputed re-election victory.

 

(Reporting By Steve Holland; editing by Grant McCool)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-03-26

I suspect he'll have to call Putin again and ask who he can send home.

Yes, whatever Trump does will be wrong.


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20 minutes ago, Sealbash said:

Yes, whatever Trump does will be wrong.


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Agree. Can't argue with that!

7 hours ago, Credo said:

I suspect he'll have to call Putin again and ask who he can send home.

 

Yeah he "considers" !......See what the EU does, then decide what is the least retaliation he can make so not lose face, and not upset his Russian friends too much.

7 hours ago, Sealbash said:

Yes, whatever Trump does will be wrong.


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Yep! Past experience says that is most likely to be the case.

Putin now has blamed the US and UK individually for the attack.

Which is great.

If Trump takes no action against the Russians, it's implied that he agrees to US complicity.

It'll take a day or two for Trump to survey what's said by FOX News commentators and probably John Boltin's opinion before he decides a course of action. Putin's quick deflection may work against him.