President Barack Obama on Thursday ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian
diplomats and suspected spies and imposed sanctions on two Russian
intelligence agencies over their involvement in hacking U.S. political
groups in the 2016 presidential election.
The measures, taken during the last days of Obama’s presidency, mark a
new post-Cold War low in U.S.-Russian ties and set up a potential
flashpoint between incoming President-elect Donald Trump and fellow
Republicans in Congress over how to deal with Moscow.
Obama, a Democrat, had promised consequences after U.S. intelligence
officials blamed Russia for hacks intended to influence the 2016
election. Officials pointed the finger directly at Russian President
Vladimir Putin for personally directing the efforts and primarily
targeting Democrats, who put pressure on Obama to respond.
It was not clear whether Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin and
nominated people seen as friendly toward Moscow to senior administration
posts, would seek to roll back the measures once he takes office on
Jan. 20.
Trump has brushed aside allegations from the CIA and other intelligence
agencies that Russia was behind the cyber attacks. He said on Thursday
he would meet with intelligence officials soon.
Reuters
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