In a diplomatic tit-for-tat, the United States has expelled two Russian embassy officials in response to Russia's earlier expulsion of two US diplomats from the American embassy in Moscow. The US State Department announced this move on Friday, October 6th.


The State Department spokesperson stated, "In response to the Russian Federation's unjustified expulsion of two US Embassy Moscow diplomats, the State Department reciprocated by declaring two Russian Embassy officials persona non grata in the United States." They went on to emphasize that the department would not tolerate the Russian government's continued harassment of US diplomats.


The decision to expel Russian officials comes after Russia's expulsion of two American diplomats on September 14th, alleging their involvement with a Russian national charged with collaborating with a foreign state. The US has countered this accusation as a pretext for retaliation.


An unnamed source within the Russian foreign ministry, quoted by Russia's RIA news agency, labeled the US decision as "groundless" and reiterated Moscow's stance against escalation. However, they also warned that if hostile actions from the US persist, Russia will respond firmly and decisively.


Tensions between Moscow and Washington have escalated dramatically due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The US has provided Ukraine with advanced weaponry and imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This ongoing dispute has resulted in the most strained relations between the two nations in over 60 years