Russia expels US embassy staff over alleged illegal activity and espionage links

Russia has expelled two US diplomats, accusing them of working with a Russian national charged with collaborating with a foreign state. The US embassy confirmed the expulsions, while the State Department has not yet commented. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the expelled diplomats conducted illegal activity by maintaining contact with the Russian citizen, Robert Shonov, who was accused of confidential cooperation with a foreign state. Shonov, a former employee of the US Consulate General in Vladivostok, was arrested in May and accused of gathering negative information about Russia's war effort in Ukraine and its annexation of new territories. The US has accused Russia of attempting to intimidate and harass its employees, while Russia expects the US to refrain from confrontational steps.