Moscow – Three buses believed to be carrying expelled American
diplomats departed from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow on Thursday.
Before the morning departure, journalists outside the embassy compound saw people leaving the residences, placing luggage on trucks. Some toted pet-carriers.
Russia last week ordered 60 American diplomats to leave the country by Thursday in retaliation for the
United States expelling the same number of Russians.
The moves were part of a deepening dispute over the nerve-agent poisoning in
Britain of a Russian former double-agent and his daughter. Britain alleges Russian involvement, which Moscow vehemently denies.
More than 150 diplomats have been expelled by Britain and allies, and Russia has ordered reciprocal moves.