U.S. expels 10 Russian diplomats

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced Thursday the U.S. is expelling 10 Russian diplomats and imposing sanctions against dozens of companies and other people, holding the Kremlin accountable for interference in last year’s presidential election and the hacking of federal agencies.

The sweeping measures are meant to punish Russia for actions that U.S. officials say cut to the core of American democracy and to deter future acts by imposing economic costs on Moscow, including by targeting its ability to borrow money.

The sanctions are certain to exacerbate tensions with Russia, which promised a response, even as President Joe Biden said the administration could have taken even more punitive measures but chose not to in the interests of maintaining stability.

The U.S. announced as part of the same executive order sanctions on 32 individuals and entities accused of attempting to interfere in last year’s presidential election.

Russian officials spoke of a swift response, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei

Ryabkov warning that “a series of retaliatory measures will come in the nearest time.“

Other American measures are expected as well. Officials have been advising that their response to Russia would be in ways both seen and unseen.

The sanctions announced Thursday are the latest in a series of actions that successive presidential administrations have taken to counter Russian behavior seen as antagonistic.