Russia has toughened its rhetoric in its row with the United States
ADVERTISEMENTMoscow has toughened its rhetoric in its row with Washington, saying it is considering ways to retaliate for the seizure of some of its diplomatic premises in the United States and expulsions of diplomats.
Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it is “outrageous” that the US has not handed back the two intelligence compounds.
He said: “The situation is outrageous. I find it shameful for such a great country as the United States, an advocate for the international law to leave this situation hanging in mid-air. We are aware of the Russo-phobic feelings in Congress”
In December, the U.S. seized two Russian diplomatic compounds and then-President Barack Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russians over what he said was their involvement in hacking to interfere in the U.S. presidential election campaign.
Moscow denied the allegations and said then it would wait to see if relations improved under incoming President Donald Trump.