US Ambassador to Russia: After the expulsion of diplomats in America, there will be fewer Russian spies

US Ambassador to Russia John Huntsman explained why the United States responded so harshly to the ex-colonel of the GRU, Sergei Skripal, who was poisoned in London.

Photo: US Embassy in Russia

In an interview with Kommersant 26 March, Huntsman said: “This is a response to a very reckless attack with the use of a nerve agent of military use against a British citizen and his daughter in British territory. We cannot leave these irresponsible actions without proper reaction.

Great Britain is our best friend and ally. We send a signal: if you treat our friends and allies in this way, then the response is inevitable. ”

When asked by Kommersant whether the American side had considered the possibility of postponing the introduction of restrictive measures due to the tragedy in Kemerovo, Jon Huntsman replied: “This decision (to impose sanctions on Russia) was made not only by the United States, but also by a dozen other countries. We agreed that this response was appropriate. The timing of the announcement of such decisions is always difficult to coordinate due to the large number of participants. But I think the fact that such measures have been announced by so many countries that have conducted their own analysis and review of the Skripal case speaks of something extraordinary.” The US ambassador added that “in my entire life I have never seen such a clearly coordinated and large-scale response to such an incident.”

Earlier, 26 March in the United States announced the expulsion from the country of the 48 staff of the Russian embassy and 12 staff of a diplomatic mission to the UN. The consulate of Russia in Seattle will also be closed (Details). Last decision Huntsman commented:

“This is a response to a large number of intelligence officers of the Russian Federation who work in the United States. From now on, there will be fewer spies in the United States who monitor Americans, carry out hidden operations and thereby threaten US national security. ”

Recall, in addition to the United States, the decision to expel Russian diplomats because of the poisoning of Skripal was made by Canada, Ukraine and 14 of the EU countries.

As reported ForumDaily, 4 March, former Colonel of the GRU Sergey Skripalwho was granted asylum in the United Kingdom in 2010, and his daughter were found unconscious in Salisbury. London officially accused Moscow of involvement in spy poisoning on the grounds that traces of a “Newbie” type substance were allegedly found at the crime scene.

In connection with the poisoning of Skrypal, London expelled 23 Russian diplomats from the country. Russia categorically rejected the accusations, claiming provocations. In response to UK sanctions, the 23 diplomat will also be expelled from Russia, and the British Council’s activities will also be terminated. Moscow denies all allegations and demands access to the investigation file.

Read also on ForumDaily:

The Russian Embassy in the USA polls on Twitter: which US Consulate to close in Russia

In the coming days, Russia will respond to the expulsion of diplomats from the EU and the US

17 countries send 129 Russian diplomats due to Skriple poisoning

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