12 Russian UN Diplomats Ordered to Leave U.S.

Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, received a phone call as he started his press briefing yesterday marking the end of Russia’s UN Security Council presidency, informing him that 12 people from his mission have been designated personae non gratae and ordered to leave the U.S. by March 7. Nebenzia called it “another hostile step” against Russia, and charged that it shows the United States’ disrespect for its obligations under the UN Charter and the host country agreement. White House Press spokesman Jen Psaki yesterday dismissed that charge, asserting that the 12 were engaged in espionage.