Trump to expel 60 Russian diplomats, close Seattle consulate in response to spy poisoning

Police officers in protective suits working at scene of poisoning in UK.

(Image credit: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

published 26 March 2018

President Trump on Monday ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian officials as well as the closure of the Seattle consulate in response to the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter who were living in Britain, The Washington Post reports. The officials have a week to leave the U.S.

At least 10 European countries have also banded together to expel Russian diplomats in a coordinated response, Bloomberg reports.

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European Union leaders have said that there is "no plausible alternative explanation" other than Russia being behind the poisoning of the ex-spy and his daughter. Further details about Europe's coordinated actions are expected Monday afternoon.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.