Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will not expel any American diplomats in retaliation against new US sanctions against Russia over its alleged interference in the presidential election.
Calling the moves a “provocation”, the Russian President said he would not “stoop to the level of irresponsible diplomacy”.
Putin said the 35 diplomats expelled from the US with their families on Thursday would be returning home to celebrate the New Year with relatives and friends.
“We will not create problems for American diplomats, we will not expel anyone," he continued in a statement, adding that Russia "reserves the right to retaliate," the Independent reports.
