Britain’s decision to expel 23 Russian diplomats over the poisoning initially raised tensions between the two countries to a level not seen since the heights of the Cold War. White House officials called the nerve agent used against the Skripals “military grade,” but declined to elaborate on the substance used. The Polish foreign minister was expected to make an announcement later this afternoon. Advertisement Continue reading the main storySince Poland broke from the Soviet bloc in the 1990s, it has expelled Russian diplomats only twice — and both times had to do with Russia’s spying activities in Poland. Germany’s move not only signaled solidarity with London, but it also suggested the incoming German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, may be more hawkish toward Moscow than his predecessor.

Source: New York Times March 26, 2018 13:00 UTC