US expels Russian diplomats for allegedly ‘engaging in espionage’ : NPR

A pedestrian walks previous outdoors U.N. headquarters, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, in New York.

Jeenah Moon/AP

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Jeenah Moon/AP

A pedestrian walks previous outdoors U.N. headquarters, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, in New York.

Jeenah Moon/AP

The U.S. has expelled 12 Russian diplomats for allegedly “participating in espionage actions” that threaten nationwide safety, a spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations stated Monday.

The 12 operatives abused their privileges of U.S. presidency, stated spokesperson Olivia Dalton. The transfer to expel the diplomats “has been within the works for a number of months,” Dalton stated.

Russian United Nations Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia informed reporters that diplomats had been requested to depart by March 7. Nebenzia referred to as it “one other hostile” measure in opposition to the Russian Mission to the United Nations after receiving the intel throughout a press convention.

Nebenzia informed reporters the expulsion “grossly violated” the host nation’s dedication to the United Nations.

Dalton stated the transfer was consistent with the headquarters settlement.

The U.S. Division of State stated no additional info was accessible.

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