Russia in ‘no rush’ to retaliate to diplomat expulsions

A senior Russian diplomat says that Moscow is in “no rush” to retaliate to the wave of expulsions of Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov tells the RIA Novosti news agency that Russia is “thoughtfully and thoroughly” considering its response to the expulsion of more than 150 Russian diplomats by more than 20 nations in a show of solidarity with Britain.

Britain has accused Russia of a nerve agent attack on ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Russia has fiercely rejected the accusations, calling them baseless.

Ryabkov tells Interfax that the expulsions were directed by London and Washington, adding that other nations succumbed to their pressure. He added that “all options are on the table” regarding Russia’s response.

— AP