The U.S. gave Russia 48 hours to comply with the order for the San Francisco consulate and the East Coast offices. Other top Russian officials also urged caution. In assessing Washington's directive, Russian officials and lawmakers said Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump might be getting tough on Russia against his will. In December, President Barack Obama kicked out dozens of Russian officials, closed two Russian recreational compounds. The next month, Trump took office after campaigning on promises to improve U.S.-Russia ties.

Source: Economic Times September 01, 2017 14:53 UTC