Russia is set to expel British diplomats in retaliation for Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to kick out 23 Russians as relations with London crashed to a post-Cold War low over an attack with military-grade nerve agent on English soil.
After the first known offensive use of such a weapon in Europe since World War II, May blamed Moscow and gave 23 Russians who she said were spies working under diplomatic cover at the London Embassy a week to leave.
Russia has denied any involvement, cast Britain as a post-colonial power unsettled by Brexit and even suggested London fabricated the attack in an attempt to whip up anti-Russian hysteria.