Vladimir Putin on Friday announced Russia would not expel any American diplomats after the United States kicked out 35 Russian embassy and consulate staff in retaliation for the hacking of US political groups during the 2016 election, in a move that appears designed to sow confusion ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. Analysts had predicted a round of tit-for-tat expulsions in a return to Cold War diplomacy. However, Mr Putin’s announcement will pile pressure on to Mr Trump to risk further splits in his Republican Party by reversing Barack Obama’s expulsions.Mr Putin described the US sanctions as a “provocation aimed to …read more
Source: The National
