Russia says Britain must recall more than 50 diplomats

Moscow (AFP) – Britain has to reduce its diplomatic staff in Russia by more than 50 people, the foreign ministry said Saturday, following an escalating row over an attack on a former double agent.

“Russia suggested parity. The British side has more than 50 more people,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told AFP. On Friday, Moscow gave London a month to cut the number of diplomatic staff in Russia to the same number Russia has in Britain.