Russia summons US ambassador, expels two diplomats on suspicion of espionage

This was reported by the propaganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

"The head of the American diplomatic mission in Moscow, Lynne M. Tracy, who was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on September 14, was given a tough démarche with an official note regarding the incompatibility with the diplomatic status of the actions of the first secretary of the US Embassy, Jeffrey Sillin, and the second secretary of the embassy, David Bernstein," the statement said.

According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomats allegedly engaged in illegal activities by maintaining contact with Russian Robert Shonov, who was accused of so-called confidential cooperation with a foreign state. He performed tasks for money that were intended to harm the national security of the Russian Federation.

The US Ambassador was informed that Jeffrey Sillin and David Bernstein must leave the territory of Russia within 7 days in the status of "persona non grata".

"It was also emphasized that the illegal activity of the US diplomatic mission, including interference in the internal affairs of the host country, is unacceptable and will be resolutely stopped. The Russian side expects that Washington will draw the right conclusions and refrain from confrontational steps," the press service writes.

• On September 5, the Russian Foreign Ministry demanded explanations from Armenia regarding the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. And on September 8, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Armenia’s ambassador to protest Yerevan's "unfriendly steps."