US designates 12 Russian diplomats as persona non grata
Contrary to the US statements in favor of diplomacy, the latter designated a Russian mission as persona non grata with a deadline to leave the country.
The US designated 12 people from the Russian mission as persona non grata, demanding they leave by March 7.
The US still believes in diplomacy as the only responsible and sustainable means by which to end the conflict, claimed the State Department.
It added that the US can still engage with the Russian Federation through the State Department, Defense Department, and any other channel.
The Russian envoy to the UN says that the expulsion of Russian diplomats is "sad news" and yet another demonstration of "gross disrespect by the US of its obligations."
Earlier today, the United States embassy in Russia has advised its nationals to leave the country "immediately" warning them that commercial flights might not be available soon.
"An increasing number of airlines are canceling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines," the Embassy said.
"US citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available," the alert on the Embassy's website added.
The diplomatic mission also reminded its citizens that "the Department of State's Travel Advisory level for Russia is at 'Level 4: Do Not Travel.'"