The Largest Expulsion in 30 Years: May Expels 23 Diplomats, Freezes Russian Assets

The United Kingdom will expel 23 Russian diplomats in response to the nerve agent attack on a former Russian double agent in southern England, Prime Minister Theresa May stated on Wednesday, adding that this is the largest single expulsion in over 30 years.

May said in Parliament that Britain will also freeze Russian state assets wherever there is evidence that they could be used to threaten British citizens and that it will reduce the level of delegation attending the World Cup this summer.

>>> Double agent Skripal and his daughter poisoned with nerve agent

Former spy Sergei Skripal (66) and his daughter Yulia (33) were found unconscious on a bench in the town of Salisbury on March 4. They were taken to the hospital and their condition remains critical.

May stated that they were poisoned with Novichok – a Soviet nerve agent developed by the military. She called on Moscow to clarify whether it is responsible for the attack or has lost control of its stocks of this highly dangerous substance.

Russia has denied involvement in the incident, and May told Parliament that Moscow has not provided a credible explanation for the attack.

“There is no other conclusion than that the Russian state is responsible for the attempted murder of Mr. Skripal and his daughter and for endangering the lives of other British citizens in Salisbury,” she emphasized.

>>> May gave Moscow a deadline to respond about the nerve agent

“This represents an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom.”

May stated that the expulsion of 23 diplomats, identified as undeclared intelligence officers, is the largest single expulsion in over 30 years and that it will degrade Russian intelligence capabilities in Britain in the coming years.

“We will freeze Russian state assets wherever we have evidence that they could be used to threaten the lives or property of British citizens,” she said.

According to her, no minister or member of the royal family will attend the World Cup in Russia.

Russian Ambassador to Britain Alexander Yakovenko warned London on Wednesday that Russia would take reciprocal measures if Britain expels Russian diplomats, the RIA news agency reported.

Russia has warned the United Kingdom not to threaten nuclear force, refusing to comply with the ultimatum set by May demanding a Russian response to the Skripal attack by midnight.