Thread by @haynesdeborah

EXCLUSIVE: NATO has decided to halve the size of Russia’s mission to the alliance in response to suspected malign Russian activities, including killings & espionage. 8 diplomats, thought to be undeclared intelligence officers, will be asked to leave & 2 other positions scrapped

A NATO official said: “We can confirm that we have withdrawn the accreditation of eight members of the Russian Mission to NATO, who were undeclared Russian intelligence officers. 1/3

"We can also confirm that we have reduced the number of positions which the Russian Federation can accredit to NATO to 10. 2/3

“NATO’s policy towards Russia remains consistent. We have strengthened our deterrence and defenced in response to Russia’s aggressive actions, while at the same time we remain open for a meaningful dialogue.” 3/3

The two positions that have been scrapped are currently vacant. The eight Russian diplomats who are losing their accreditation are expected to leave Brussels by the end of the month.
The only other time NATO has taken such a step was after Salisbury spy poisonings. More to follow

Here is my piece on the NATO decision to eject 8 Russian "undeclared intelligence officers" & abolish another 2 positions, halving size of Russia's mission to the alliance.
Moscow has since said that it will retaliate:

bit.ly/3Agmjqu