Satellite image taken on the 16th (local time) showing artillery and equipment deployed at a railway yard near Brest, a regional city in Belarus bordering northern Ukraine. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Amid growing concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Russian government expelled a senior official from the US Embassy in Moscow, CNN reported on the 17th (local time).
According to the report, the expelled individual is Deputy Chief of Mission Bart Gorman. Gorman, who was expelled earlier this year, left Moscow last week and returned to the United States.
This expulsion took place amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, including the United States, over Ukraine.
A US State Department spokesperson confirmed this, explaining, "Gorman is the second-highest-ranking diplomat at the US Embassy in Moscow and a key member of the embassy leadership."
The spokesperson stated, "Russia's action lacks legitimate grounds," adding, "We consider this an escalation of tensions and are considering our response."
They continued, "Russia should cease its baseless expulsions of US diplomats and staff," urging, "Now more than ever, it is important to deploy the necessary diplomatic personnel to facilitate smooth communication between governments."
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the expulsion of the US Deputy Chief of Mission is a retaliatory measure against the US expelling a senior Russian diplomat from the Russian Embassy in Washington.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on the expulsion of Deputy Chief of Mission Gorman, saying, "This is a response to the baseless expulsion of the Counselor-Minister of the Russian Embassy in Washington."
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