US expels 10 diplomats, imposes tough curbs on Russia

US moves in retaliation for Kremlin’s occupation of Crimea, Afghan role

Washington, April 15: The US on Thursday announced the expulsion 10 Russian diplomats and slapped sanctions on over 30 individuals and key financial institutions as it held Moscow accountable for interference in last year's presidential election and the hacking of American federal agencies.

The sanctions are also meant to impose a penalty over Russia's continued occupation of Crimea, which it infiltrated and annexed from Ukraine seven years ago, and for reportedly offering bounties for attacks against US and coalition military personnel in strife-torn Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Thursday to sell Afghan leaders and a wary public MEANWHILE, US secretary of state Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Thursday to sell Afghan leaders and a wary public on Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw all US troops from the country by Sept. 11 on President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw all American troops from the country and end America's longest war.

In a communication to Congress, President Joe Biden said that he has determined that specified harmful Russian activities — in particular, efforts to undermine the conduct of free and fair democratic elections and democratic institutions in the US and its allies and partners; constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the US. Russia has denied any involvement in US elections or on offering the bounties. Moscow has also said that it has nothing to do with the SolarWinds computer attack. The Biden administration rolled out the sanctions in an executive order in coordination with the state department and the treasury department.

Washington, April 15: President Joe Biden's administration indicated Wednesday it was moving forward with a $23 billion sale of F-35 fighter-jets to the UAE but was considering restrictions and would not deliver them soon. The State Department shortly after Biden's inauguration in January ordered a review of the massive arms package, which was approved by former president Donald Trump.

Responding to a lawsuit seeking to block the sale, the State Department said it planned a “robust and sustained dialogue” with the UAE.