MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a decision not to expel any US diplomats from Russia in retaliation for Washington’s latest sanctions against Moscow and invited their children to a New Year party in the Kremlin.

Putin noted that Washington’s actions against Russia cause damage not only to the bilateral relations but the world as a whole. "We consider the new unfriendly steps by the outgoing US administration to be provocative and aimed at further undermining the Russian-US relations," he said. "This definitely contravenes the fundamental interests of both the Russian and American people."

"Considering special responsibility of Russia and the United States for the preservation of global security, this causes damage to the entire range of international relations," he added.

The president stressed that, in accordance with the established international practice, Moscow has every reason for an adequate response. According to Putin, Russia reserves the right to retaliate, but will not stoop to diplomatic catfight. "While reserving the right to take retaliatory measures, we will not stoop to the level of the so-called ‘catfight’, irresponsible diplomacy and take further steps to restore the Russian-US relations taking into account the policy that will be pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump," Putin said.

New Year holidays for US diplomats in Russia

Russia will not expel US diplomats from Russia in response to Washington’s sanctions. "We will not create problems for US diplomats. We will not expel anybody," the Russian president said in a statement on Friday. Putin also said that Russia would not prevent the families and children (of diplomats) from using the customary rest and leisure facilities and sites during the New Year holidays. "Moreover, I am inviting all children of US diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year and Christmas parties in the Kremlin," Putin said.