In a coordinated move, four new European Union countries expelled more than 40 Russian diplomats, accusing them of spying for Russia. The authorities in Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic issued orders to expel about 43 employees of Russian embassies in these countries, on Tuesday afternoon. The move follows similar measures taken by other EU member states, including Poland, last week. Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes told the Belgian Parliament that the expulsion of Russian diplomats "is linked to our national security."
