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U.S. expels 60 Russians, shuts consulate in Seattle
What has happened?
The U.S. on Monday expelled 60 Russian officials and ordered the closure of the consulate in Seattle, as ties between the nuclear powers continue to deteriorate. Of the 60 being asked to leave, 48 are posted at the Russian embassy and 12 are at the Russian mission to the United Nations in New York. U.S. administration officials said the officials and their families have been given seven days to leave the U.S.
Reasons for expulsion
- Expression of solidarity by U.S towards its NATO ally, i.e. UK: In response to Russia’s use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom against ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter on March 4
- Consulate’s proximity to base:Due to its proximity to one of U.S submarine bases and Boeing
- Russia is required to close the consulate by April 2
