MOSCOW, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Saturday announced a series of retaliatory measures including the expulsion of 23 British diplomats in a week, regarding them as "personae non gratae," according to a statement from the foreign ministry.
Meanwhile, the statement said Russia will revoke its approval of the opening and operation of the British Consulate General in St. Petersburg, and cease the British Council's activities in Russia due to its unregulated status.
"The British side has been warned that if it takes further actions of an unfriendly nature against Russia, the Russian side reserves the right to other retaliatory measures," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry had summoned British Ambassador to Russia Laurie Bristow and notified him of those measures in retaliation for British Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to kick out 23 Russians.
