Britain to expel 23 Russian diplomats, suspend contact with Kremlin after spy poisoning

British Prime Minister Theresa May announced Wednesday that the United Kingdom will expel 23 Russian diplomats, the most since the Cold War, as well as suspend all planned high-level bilateral contacts with the Kremlin, NBC News reports.

The decision follows the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter on British soil with a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union. "For those who wish to do us harm, my message is clear: You are not welcome here," May told Parliament.

Additionally, May announced that members of the royal family would not attend the World Cup in Russia this summer. Russia has dismissed the accusations, and called Britain's moves "a very serious provocation."

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