The move came in response to new sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea overwhelmingly passing the Senate (98-2). The measures had previously passed the House in similarly veto-proof fashion.
July 28, 2017
Russia ordered the U.S. to slash hundreds of embassy and other personnel in the country in a dramatic and sweeping retaliation to the passage of a new sanctions bill in the U.S. Congress.
The order means the U.S. would have to cut “hundreds” of personnel at its embassy and consulates in Russia, according to a diplomat familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details that aren’t yet public. U.S. officials didn’t immediately comment on how many would be affected.