Trump looks to expel Russian diplomats

THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS SAID THAT THE UNITED STATES IS CONSIDERING “A RANGE OF OPTIONS TO RESPOND TO RUSSIA’S OUTRAGEOUS ACTIONS IN THE UK”

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is preparing to expel dozens of Russian diplomats from the country in response to the nerve-agent poisoning of a former Russian spy in the UK, two people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.

Trump agreed with the recommendation of advisers and the expulsions are likely to be announced on Monday, the people said, though they cautioned that Trump’s decision may not be final. Trump is prepared to act but wants to be sure European allies will take similar steps against Russia before doing so, aides said.

The advisers reached recommendations for a US response to the UK attack at a national security council meeting on Wednesday and honed the proposals on Friday. Trump discussed the issue Friday with US ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman, treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, attorney general Jeff Sessions, defence secretary James Mattis, director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, outgoing national security adviser HR Mcmaster and others, two people said.

All of the people familiar with the discussions asked not to be identified.

White House spokespeople declined to comment.

Deputy White House press secretary Raj Shah told Bloomberg on Saturday, “The United States stands firmly with the United Kingdom in condemning Russia’s outrageous action. The president is always considering options to hold Russia accountable in response to its malign activities. We have no announcements at this time.”