Putin confirms 755 US diplomatic staff must leave

Image copyright AFP Image caption The ejections will bring the embassy numbers in Moscow and Washington to 455

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that 755 staff must leave US diplomatic missions, in retaliation to new US sanctions against Russia.

Russia said last week that the staffing levels must be brought to 455, the same number of Russian diplomats in Washington.

However, Mr Putin struck a conciliatory note, saying although he could impose more measures, he did not want to.

But he also said he could not see a change in relations "anytime soon".

Mr Putin told Russian television: "More than 1,000 people were working and are still working" at the US embassy and consulates, and that "755 people must stop their activities in Russia".

Russia has also said it is seizing holiday properties and a warehouse used by US diplomats.

Mr Putin suggested he could consider more measures, but said: "I am against it as of today."

He also noted the creation of a de-escalation zone in southern Syria as an example of a concrete result of working together.

The new US sanctions were in retaliation both for Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Russian interference in the US election.

In December, the Obama administration ordered the seizure of two Russian diplomatic compounds and expelled 35 Russian diplomats in response to alleged hacking of the US Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Image copyright EPA Image caption Russia has banned US diplomats from this dacha at Serebryany Bor on Moscow's outskirts

Image copyright EPA Image caption And Russia is seizing this US diplomatic warehouse in Moscow

The new US sanctions on Russia were overwhelmingly approved by both houses of Congress despite objections from the White House.

US intelligence agencies believe Russia tried to sway the election in favour of President Donald Trump and now there are several investigations looking into whether anyone from his campaign helped.

Russia has always denied interfering and Mr Trump insists there was no collusion.

from BBC News - World http://ift.tt/2vjmXGp