Trump May Expel 'Several Russian Diplomats'

American and international media report that Donald Trump, the President of the United States, may soon order the expulsion of at least 20 Russian diplomats from the United States in response to the poisoning of a former spy in Britain. Reuters and CNN reported on April 5 that Trump's decision is linked to possible actions by U.S. European allies and may be announced on Monday, April 6. Raj Shah, a White House spokesperson, told reporters that Washington is weighing its options. However, Shah did not provide further details: "The United States firmly supports Britain in condemning this shameful act by Russia. The President is constantly considering options for responding to Russia's reckless actions. We currently have no official announcement." Reports indicate that the National Security Council of the White House provided a set of options and possible responses to President Trump on March 20. Washington's potential actions are expected to be met with a similar reaction from Moscow. In mid-March, a passerby found Colonel Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy, and his daughter semi-conscious on a bench in a shopping center in Salisbury, Britain; this incident soon escalated tensions between the West and Moscow. Britain has accused Russia of being "highly likely" involved in the poisoning of Skripal and his daughter using a nerve agent. Russia has denied these allegations. The British government has taken actions against Russia, including ordering the expulsion of 23 of its diplomats, which was met with a similar reaction from Moscow. Days later, Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, announced that she and Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, agreed that "in addition to recalling the ambassador, coordinated actions would also be taken against Moscow." The French President described the poisoning of Skripal and his daughter as an "attack on the integrity of the European Union." The Guardian reported on April 3 that at least ten EU member states plan to expel several Russian diplomats. In response to Europe's actions, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian President, stated, "It is regrettable that once again judgment and decision-making are based on words like 'highly likely.'" Peskov reiterated his government's position that "Russia has absolutely no connection to the [chemical poisoning] of Skripal." Sergei Skripal, 66, was a former officer of the Russian military security service. He was arrested in December 2004 and sentenced to prison for passing secret information to Britain and treason; in 2010, he was among the spies exchanged between Russia and the United States. He then sought asylum in Britain and has lived there for years.