British diplomats leave Russia

moscow - British diplomats expelled by Moscow are Friday to leave Russia. Eyewitnesses reported that vehicles were being prepared at the British embassy in the Russian capital and people said goodbye to each other.

Russia expels 23 British diplomats in retaliation for the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats from Great Britain. They were deported earlier this month on the orders of British Prime Minister Theresa May and left London on Tuesday.

The reason for the diplomatic conflict is the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter. The two were found unconscious on a bank in the English city of Salisbury on 4 March. It soon became apparent that nerve gas had been used and that it was an attack.

London accuses Russia of involvement, but Moscow denies this.