Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said 755 US diplomats must leave the country.
This is in retaliation for Congress’ approving new sanctions for Moscow’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Putin had threatened on Friday that he would cut US diplomatic staff in Russia and seize two American properties after the Senate and the House voted overwhelmingly for new sanctions against Moscow.
An official at the US Embassy in Moscow said there are about 1,100 diplomatic and support staff in Russia.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said vote for the sanctions was the “last drop” and said Moscow would retaliate “in kind.”
“We have a very rich toolbox at our disposal. It would be ridiculous on my part to start speculating on what may or may not happen,” Rybakov said on ABC’s “This Week.”
“I can assure you that different options are on the table and consideration is being given to all sorts of things.”
The Senate approved the bill by a 98-2 vote last week. The House previously approved the measure by a 419-3 margin.
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