The U.S. state Department confirmed that the U.S. and Russia can replace expelled from countries diplomats. In the state Department assured that this is standard practice: when some officials declared «persona non grata», not deported, and then in their place arrive the other staff members.
In a press-service of the Ministry stressed that this is only plans. The Russian side has not yet announced the intention to increase the number of diplomatic personnel. At the same time, judging by the reviews, the USA are ready to dialogue about increasing diplomatic corps after the recent expulsion.
Recall that last week, US authorities deported 60 Russian diplomats and their families because of the suspicion in the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK. It was also decided to close the Russian Consulate in Seattle. All the expelled diplomats, the American side considers agents of Russian intelligence, and with their departure involves increasing the level of security in the country.
Russia has prepared a symmetrical response: the expulsion of the same number of employees of the American diplomatic corps. The diplomats, whose names appear in prepared by the Russian side the list, are obliged to leave Russia until April 5. Also planned closing of the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg.
In addition to the US , Russian diplomats have sent a further 20 countries. Among them, Canada, UK, France, Germany. A total of 140 were sent to Russian embassies and consulates around the world. Now Russia is preparing to deport the same number of diplomats from these countries.
