Story highlights Putin says 755 staff will be cut from US missions

The move follows a US Congress decision to impose fresh Russian sanctions

Moscow (CNN) President Vladimir Putin has hit back at new American sanctions by ordering the US to cut staff at its diplomatic mission by 755, in Moscow's most aggressive move against Washington since the final years of the Cold War. READ MORE: Vladimir Putin says Russia will be forced to retaliate if U.S. passes new sanctions

“Because more than 1,000 workers – diplomats and support staff – were working and are still working in Russia, 755 must stop their activity in the Russian Federation,” he said. The US-Russia relationship has become increasingly strained in the wake of US intelligence agencies conclusion that the Kremlin interfered in the US election to discredit Hillary Clinton and help President Donald Trump win the election. But it looks like, it’s not going to change in the near future… I decided that it is time for us to show that we will not leave anything unanswered.”

The Russian foreign ministry announced that Moscow told Washington to reduce the number of its diplomatic staff in Russia to 455 people.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expels 755 U.S. diplomats in response to new sanctions imposed by the United States.