The Russian response took maybe slightly longer than expected but in the end it was largely what the British Government had anticipated and prepared for.

By expelling precisely 23 British diplomats, the exact same number of Russian spies that have been ordered out of the UK, Moscow is sending a message that it wants to draw a line under this element of the stand-off.

Theresa May will chair a meeting of the National Security Council early next week, but it is unlikely she will announce further measures against Moscow, unless given new reason to do so.

The Government has already drawn up a second list of Russian diplomats to expel if it feels the need to, but I think that would have only been actioned had Russia expelled considerably more than the 23 diplomats it has.

Image: British ambassador Laurie Bristow was summoned for talks with Russian's foreign ministry

Boris Johnson will travel to Brussels on Monday to meet EU foreign ministers and the NATO Secretary General.


Both organisations have pledged support for London in recent days and that is unlikely to wane.

But as is always the way with NATO, an alliance of 29 members, some countries will want to more than others, and some will have the ability to do more than others.

Crucially, the Foreign Secretary will have meetings to discuss Russia's possible cyber response and how well prepared Europe is for that.

Image: Boris Johnson is due to discuss Russia's possible cyber response

Anyone who knows what they are talking about insists the route to Vladimir Putin is through the oligarchs. Follow the money and you'll get to the man.

The headline this week was the expulsion of 23 Russian spies, but the more nuanced and esoteric financial measures could be what hurt Mr Putin the most if, that is, they are followed through.

The Prime Minister will probably reflect that she has handled the crisis pretty well so far. The difference in her approach to Russia, compared with Jeremy Corbyn, has worked in her favour.

Ironically, this whole situation might have benefited Mr Putin too.

By Monday, he will have been elected the Russian president for a fourth time and his portrayal as a strong leader facing up to an aggressive West will be to his benefit.

If turnout is strong, he will feel emboldened heading into a new term.

This stand-off, whether a new Cold War or not, has many years yet to run.