Two Russian diplomats accused of acting as foreign spies have been instructed to leave Australia within seven days, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed.
The expulsion is part of a global retaliation to the nerve agent attack on a double agent living in Britain, which Western nations have blamed on Russia. More than 100 Russian diplomats were expelled from the United States and Britain’s allies in Europe today.
"Two Russian diplomats identified as undeclared intelligence officers will be expelled by the Australian Government for actions inconsistent with their status, pursuant to the Vienna Conventions," a statement from the prime minister and foreign minister Julie Bishop said. "The two officials will be directed to depart Australia within seven days".
The statement said the decision reflected the "shocking nature of the attack".
"It takes into account advice from the UK Government that the substance used on 4 March was a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia. Such an attack cannot be tolerated by any sovereign nation. We strongly support the call on Russia to disclose the full extent of its chemical weapons program in accordance with international law."
The Russian Embassy in Canberra declined to comment when contacted by SBS News early on Tuesday morning.
