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Putin raises the stakes in standoff with US
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Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a sword while listening an explanations from the head of Russian First Channel Konstantin Ernst, during his meeting with the historical action film Viking's crew, in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Dec. 30, 2016. Viking is a historical action film based on the historical document Primary Chronicle and Icelandic Kings' sagas. (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP/ Mikhail Klimentyev)
P
resident Vladimir Putin said the United States would have to cut 755 diplomatic staff in Russia and warned of a prolonged gridlock in its ties after the US Congress backed new sanctions against the Kremlin.
Putin added bluntly that Russia was able to raise the stakes with America even further, although he hoped this would be unnecessary.
A US State Department official denounced the move as a "regrettable and uncalled for act," adding that Washington was now weighing a potential response.
On Friday, the Russian foreign ministry demanded Washington cut its diplomatic presence in Russia by September 1 to 455 people -- the same number Moscow has in the US.
"More than a thousand people -- diplomats and technical personnel -- were working and are still working" at the US embassy and consulates, Putin said in an interview with Rossia-24 television.
"755 people must stop their activities in Russia."
The US State Department would not confirm the number of US officials serving at the mission.
Putin added that an upturn in Russia's relations with Washington could not be expected "any time soon."
"We have waited long enough, hoping that the situation would perhaps change for the better," he said.
"But it seems that even if the situation is changing, it's not for any time soon."
Putin warned that Russia could further ratchet up the pressure, but he hoped this would not be needed.
Russia still "has things to say and is able to further restrict areas of common activities, which may be sensitive for the American side," he said.
If the damage inflicted by "attempts to pressure Russia" rises further, "we are able to look at other forms of retaliation. But I hope we won't have to do it," he said.
"For the time being, I am against" any additional riposte, Putin said.
