Russia expels 23 British diplomats in spy poisoning row
Russia is to expel 23 British diplomats following the row over the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, Sky News reports.
The move follows the UK's expulsion of 23 Russian ambassadors earlier this week, after Russia failed to respond to a deadline set by Theresa May for Moscow to explain whether it was behind the attack.
The British ambassador to Russia Laurie Bristow was summoned for talks with the Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
Moscow has said the diplomats must leave Russia within one week.
Russia has also withdrawn permission for Britain to open a general consulate in St Petersburg and says it will be closing the British Council in Russia.
Additionally, the Russian foreign ministry has said it reserves the right to take other measures against Britain in the event of further hostile steps from London.
BBC reports Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, remain critically ill in hospital, after they were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire.