Russia accuses US of ‘blatant hostility’ after closure of diplomatic sites

The US’ order was a response to Moscow demanding the US halve its diplomatic staff in Russia

Moscow has demanded the US reverse its decision to close three Russian diplomatic facilities
Moscow has demanded the US reverse its decision to close three Russian diplomatic facilities

Russia has denounced the US’ decision to close three Russian diplomatic facilities, arguing that the action violated international law.

Describing the closure as a “blatantly hostile act”, Moscow, on Sunday, demanded Washington reverse the order immediately.

“We treat these developments as a blatantly hostile act, a grave violation by Washington of international law,” the Russian foreign ministry said. “We urge the U.S. authorities to come to their senses and immediately return the Russian diplomatic facilities.”

Russia said that failure to reopen the facilities would result in the US having to “bear total blame for the ongoing degradation of relations” between the two countries.

The US’ decision to close down the facilities comes in response to Moscow cutting the United States’ diplomatic presence in Russia earlier this year.

Trump was elected to office in November having promised to improve ties with Russia during his election campaign, however the relationship between the two countries has

significantly improved, with the US accusing Russia of meddling in its electoral process.

Trump, himself battling allegations his associates colluded with Russia, grudgingly signed into law last month new sanctions against Moscow that had been drawn up by Congress.

When it became clear those measures would become law, Moscow ordered the United States to cut its diplomatic and technical staff in Russia by more than half, to 455 people.