12 Russian Diplomats Ordered To Leave U.S. For ‘Engaging In Espionage’

The United States has officially asked 12 Russian diplomats to leave American soil no later than March 7th, accusing them of “espionage activities.”

Olivia Dalton, spokeswoman for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.) Linda Thomas-Greenfield tweeted the news on Monday afternoon.

“The U.S. has informed the Russian Mission that we are beginning the process of expelling 12 intelligence operatives from the Russian Mission who have abused their privileges of residency in the U.S. by engaging in espionage activities that are adverse to our national security,” Dalton explained, adding, “We are taking this action in accordance with the headquarters agreement. Today’s action has been in the works for several months.”

CNN reported:

The United States has asked 12 Russian United Nations diplomats to leave the US, accusing them of “espionage activities,” as Russia continues its attack on Ukraine.

The Russian diplomats were asked to leave due to their alleged engagement in “activities that were not in accordance with their responsibilities and obligations as diplomats,” Ambassador Richard Mills, deputy representative of the United States to the United Nations, said during a UN Security Council meeting Monday afternoon.
Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia responded by saying Mills’ explanation of the expulsions was “not satisfactory.”