The United States has expelled two Russian diplomats in response to an attack on an American diplomat in Moscow.

The State Department employee was hit in the face by a Russian guard on 6 June, but officials have only now made it public.

Russia struck back by expelling two US diplomats in retaliation, claiming they were involved in "activities incompatible with their diplomatic status."

State department spokesman John Kirby told reporters the attack in that prompted the expulsions happened outside the US Embassy's compound in Moscow.

Mr Kirby said the attack was "unprovoked" and that it came amid other incidents of harassment of embassy staff.


The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed the American was a CIA agent who refused to provide his identification documents, prompting the guard to retaliate.

Image: State department spokesman John Kirby comments on the expulsion of the diplomats

Moscow added that the policeman was fulfilling his duties by defending the embassy.

Mr Kirby said: "We would prefer to deal with this matter in private, government to government channels. However because... the Russian government continues to make allegations about this incident I am now compelled to set the record straight.

"The Russian claim that the policeman was protecting the Embassy from an unidentified individual is simply untrue

"In the addition to the attack on the 6th of June, Russian security services have intensified their harassment against the US personnel in an effort to disrupt our diplomatic and consular operations.

Inside Russia's Syrian Air Base

"We've privately urged the Russian government to stop the harassment of American personnel in Russia.

"And as I've said before, the safety and wellbeing of our diplomatic and consular personnel abroad, and their accompanying family members, are things we take very, very seriously."

The Russian officials were expelled on 17 June, Mr Kirby added.

Relations between Russia and the US are already strained over Russia's involvement in the Syrian war and alleged involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

Analysts say the expulsions and what led up to them are likely to heighten tensions further.