Canada to expel 4 Russian diplomats, reject credentials of 3 more

Canada is expelling four Russian diplomats over the poisoning of an ex-spy in Salisbury, U.K., prompting harsh condemnation and the threat of retaliation from Russia. Canada's action will cover seven Russian personnel in all, including four members of Russia's diplomatic staff posted at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ottawa or the consulate in Montreal.
"The four have been identified as intelligence officers or individuals who have used their diplomatic status to undermine Canada's security or interfere in our democracy," Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. As well, three applications by the Russian government for additional diplomatic staff in Canada will now be denied.
Freeland called the March 4 nerve agent attack on a close ally and partner of Canada "a despicable, heinous and reckless act" that potentially endangered the lives of hundreds.
The steps have been taken pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, she said.
"We are taking these measures in solidarity with the United Kingdom," Freeland said in the release. "These measures are not aimed at the Russian people, with whom Canadians have long and fruitful ties. Canada remains committed to dialogue and co-operation with Russia on issues where we face common challenges.
"The nerve agent attack represents a clear threat to the rules-based international order and to the rules that were established by the international community to ensure chemical weapons would never again destroy human lives."
The Russian embassy in Ottawa issued a statement on Twitter calling Canada's decision "highly deplorable and outrageous."
"By taking for granted the totally baseless British accusations, in stark violation of due process ahead of ongoing investigation, if any, of the Skripal case, Canada obediently follows the US/UK designed dangerous confrontational policy," it reads.
"This unfriendly move under false and biased pretext delivers yet another serious blow to Russian-Canadian relations and will be met with resolve and reciprocity."