Russian Spy: White House Backs UK Decision To Expel Diplomats

The White House says it “stands in solidarity” with “its closest ally” the UK and supports its decision to expel 23 Russian diplomats.

PM Theresa May said the diplomats would be expelled after Moscow refused to explain how a Russian-made nerve agent was used on a former spy in the UK.

Moscow continues to deny any involvement in the attack.

US President Donald Trump’s spokeswoman accused Russia of undermining the security of countries worldwide.

BBC North American editor Jon Sopel said the White House statement was notable in the unqualified support it offered Theresa May.

He said it was also significant because of the way President Trump was prepared to talk about Russia – using language that had not been heard from the White House before.

In the statement, Mr Trump’s press secretary Sarah Sanders said the US wanted to ensure “this kind of abhorrent attack does not happen again”.

She described the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Britain as “a just response”.

“This latest action by Russia fits into a pattern of behaviour in which Russia disregards the international rules-based order, undermines the sovereignty and security of countries worldwide, and attempts to subvert and discredit Western democratic institutions and processes,” she said.

Source: BBC