Russia cuts US diplomats in response to new sanctions

Russia on Friday morning reportedly ordered a cut in U.S. diplomats and the closure of property used by Americans in the country in retaliation for new sanctions passed by Congress.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced it was closing a dacha compound and warehouse, according to the Associated Press, and said the number of U.S. diplomats was being cut to 455.

{mosads}

The new sanctions are intended to hit Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies following Moscow’s meddling in the U.S. election last year, which is the subject of multiple ongoing investigations.

The White House has not said if President Trump will sign the latest sanctions, but they passed both houses of Congress by overwhelming, veto-proof majorities.