Britain Calls for Long-Term Western Response to Russian Threat

Following the expulsion of seven Russian diplomats by NATO in response to the assassination attempt on a former spy in Britain, Theresa May, the Prime Minister of Britain, has called for a long-term Western response to the security threat posed by Russia. According to Reuters, Theresa May, speaking to senior cabinet members on Tuesday, April 7, noted that countries around the world have expelled Russian diplomats not only in solidarity with Britain but also because they recognize the threat from Russia. Following the attack on Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy, and his daughter Yulia with a nerve agent in Salisbury, Britain, the United States and EU member countries collectively expelled dozens of Russian diplomats. Reuters states that this expulsion is the largest collective diplomatic action by Western countries against Russia since the end of the Cold War. According to a spokesperson for the British Prime Minister, Theresa May stated on Tuesday: 'Yesterday we witnessed an important moment in our response to this reckless aggressive act, but there is still room for more actions, and we are working with our international partners for a long-term response to the challenge posed by Russia.' NATO announced on Tuesday that it has expelled seven Russian diplomats, blocked the presence of three new Russian representatives, and reduced the activities of the Russian representation in the organization. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary-General, said: 'This sends a serious message to Russia that its actions have consequences.' Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious in a shopping center in Salisbury in mid-March. They were taken to the hospital and remain in intensive care. Sergei Skripal, 66, was previously an officer in the Russian military security service. He was arrested in December 2004 and sentenced to prison for passing secret information to Britain and treason; he was granted asylum in Britain in 2010 during a swap with American spies and has lived in the country for years.