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Russian spy: Moscow 'will expel British diplomats soon' Russian spy: Moscow vows swift response on expulsions
(about 1 hour later)
Russia will expel UK diplomats "soon", its foreign minister has said, in response to the expulsion of 23 of its diplomats by Britain. Moscow has vowed there will be a swift response to the expulsion of 23 of its diplomats by Britain.
Sergei Lavrov told Russian media the expulsions would "definitely" happen. President Vladimir Putin would make a final decision and "won't take long" to respond, his spokesman said.
The UK took its action after Moscow refused to explain how a Russian-made nerve agent was used on a former spy and his daughter in the UK.The UK took its action after Moscow refused to explain how a Russian-made nerve agent was used on a former spy and his daughter in the UK.
Russia denies it was involved. Its foreign ministry called the allegations by Prime Minister Theresa May "insane".Russia denies it was involved. Its foreign ministry called the allegations by Prime Minister Theresa May "insane".
Russia described the UK's position as irresponsible and not backed up by evidence. What have the Russians actually said?
When asked when the expulsions would happen, Mr Lavrov was quoted as saying: "Soon. I promise you that." Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been speaking on the issue at an event in Moscow, although Russian media reports of what he has said have been conflicting.
He reportedly referred to the UK allegations against Russia as "absolutely boorish". The RIA Novosti agency quoted him as saying Russia would "definitely" expel UK diplomats "soon".
Mr Lavrov also said the UK's approach to the matter was partly prompted by the government's problems over Brexit. But he was quoted by others as saying that Russia would inform British authorities first before any media announcement. "This is, in my view, being polite; this is how gentlemen behave," he said.
Former spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia Skripal, 33, remain critically ill in hospital after being found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on 4 March. Mr Lavrov was also quoted by Tass as saying he hoped the former spy, Sergei Skripal, would recover so he could shed light on events.
The chemical used in the attack has been identified part of a group of nerve agents developed by Russia known as Novichok, Mrs May said. Interfax quoted the foreign minister as saying a motive behind the UK's actions might be to complicate Russia's hosting of Fifa's World Cup this summer.
The prime minister said there was "no alternative conclusion" than to believe Russia was "culpable" for the poisonings. President Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the foreign ministry was working out measures but added that "it is indeed the president who will make the final decision".
She had given Russia a deadline of last Tuesday evening to explain the use of the nerve agent. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned what she said were "absolutely insane accusations made by the UK prime minister against Russia", adding that the UK had failed to provide any factual information about the case.
Mr Lavrov then said Moscow would co-operate if the UK submitted a formal request under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which gives a 10-day time limit to respond. She said diplomatic notes sent to the Foreign Office had received replies that "made no sense".
But after Tuesday's deadline passed, the UK announced the expulsions. What is the latest from the UK?
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson stepped up the war of words with Russia on Thursday.Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson stepped up the war of words with Russia on Thursday.
He said the attack was Russia's "way of saying to people this is what happens to people who stand up to our regime".He said the attack was Russia's "way of saying to people this is what happens to people who stand up to our regime".
Mr Johnson said: "Now is the moment for [President Vladimir] Putin to jam the lid down and send a signal to people: 'You do this, you're going to die.'" Mr Johnson said: "Now is the moment for Putin to jam the lid down and send a signal to people: 'You do this, you're going to die'."
He told the BBC a sample of the nerve agent would be sent to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons - the independent international body set up to stop chemical warfare - for analysis.He told the BBC a sample of the nerve agent would be sent to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons - the independent international body set up to stop chemical warfare - for analysis.
But he added that Russia's "smug, sarcastic" response indicated their "fundamental guilt".But he added that Russia's "smug, sarcastic" response indicated their "fundamental guilt".
Moscow wanted to "simultaneously deny it and at the same time to glory in it", he said, adding the nerve agent was chosen "to show that it is Russia".Moscow wanted to "simultaneously deny it and at the same time to glory in it", he said, adding the nerve agent was chosen "to show that it is Russia".
In addition to the expulsions, the UK has announced measures that include increased checks on private flights, customs and freight as well as a boycott of this year's Fifa World Cup in Russia by ministers and the Royal Family. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said Russia "should go away and should shut up".
How did we get here?
Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia Skripal, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on 4 March and remain critically ill in hospital.
The chemical used in the attack has been identified as part of a group of nerve agents developed by Russia known as Novichok, Mrs May said.
The prime minister, who visited the site of the attack on Thursday, said there was "no alternative conclusion" than to believe Russia was "culpable" for the poisonings.
She had given Russia a deadline of last Tuesday evening to explain the use of the nerve agent.
Mr Lavrov then said Moscow would co-operate if the UK submitted a formal request under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which gives a 10-day time limit to respond.
But after Tuesday's deadline passed, the UK announced the expulsions.
In addition, the UK has announced measures that include increased checks on private flights, customs and freight as well as a boycott of this year's Fifa World Cup in Russia by ministers and the Royal Family.
How have other nations reacted?
On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would announce unspecified "measures" in the coming days over the poisoning.
He said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms this unacceptable attack. Everything leads us to believe that responsibility can be attributed to Russia."
On Wednesday, the White House said it "stands in solidarity" with "its closest ally" the UK and supported its decision to expel the Russian diplomats.On Wednesday, the White House said it "stands in solidarity" with "its closest ally" the UK and supported its decision to expel the Russian diplomats.
President Donald Trump's spokeswoman accused Russia of undermining the security of countries worldwide.President Donald Trump's spokeswoman accused Russia of undermining the security of countries worldwide.