It was determined that they were engaged in espionage activities that are adverse to country's national security

US Permanent Representative to the UN Nikki Haley in her statement said that the United States is sending 12 intelligence agents from the Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations. She said that the United States and many of our friends would not stand for Russia’s misconduct. This was reported in Twitter of the U.S. Mission to the UN.

“Here in New York, Russia uses the United Nations as a safe haven for dangerous activities within our own borders. Today, the United States and many of our friends are sending a clear message that we will not stand for Russia’s misconduct,” Ambassador Nikki Haley quoted in Twitter.

“Today, the United States began the process of expelling 12 intelligence operatives from the Russian Mission to the United Nations who have abused their privilege of residence in the United States. After a review, we have determined that the 12 intelligence operatives engaged in espionage activities that are adverse to‎ our national security. Our actions are consistent with the United Nations Headquarters Agreement,” says the message on the website of the U.S. Mission to the UN.

As it was reported earlier, United States decided to expel 60 Russian diplomats and closed the Russian consulate in Seattle in response to a nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal in Britain. At the same time, Donald Tusk states that the decision to expel Russian diplomats has already been taken by 14 EU countries.

Moscow has denied responsibility for the attack and has retaliated against Britain’s expulsion of 23 Russians by ordering out the same number of Britons.

The Kremlin said ahead of the U.S. announcement that it would respond in kind.

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