Russia Mulls Response to UK Over 'Losses' Caused by Diplomat's Expulsion

"We will exert pressure on the United Kingdom to make up for the losses," the ambassador said on air of the NTV broadcaster.

Yakovenko admitted that it would be difficult to achieve this, since even before the relations deteriorated recently, London was in every way delaying the issue of visas for Russian diplomats.

"I think they will continue being up to no good, but this is a new life, this is a new reality," Yakovenko said.

After the expulsion of diplomats, the consulate department of the Russian embassy will be hurt most, he noted.

"We actually lose the opportunity to issue visas in the previous regime… Visas will be issued to UK citizens, but the time will increase," the ambassador added.

Relations between Moscow and London deteriorated in early March after former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter were found unconscious in a shopping center in Salisbury. UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that it was "highly likely" that Russia was responsible for the incident, since the two were poisoned with a Novichok-class chemical agent that was developed in the Soviet Union.

On Wednesday, May went on to announce a package of anti-Russian measures, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats from the country, and the suspension of bilateral contacts between London and Moscow.

Earlier in the day, Russian Federation announced retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom, declaring 23 employees of the UK Embassy in Moscow personae non gratae in response to London's move.

The ministry also revoked its agreement on opening and operation of the UK Consulate General in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, according to the statement. In addition, a decision was made to terminate the activities of the British Council in Russia, since its "legal status has not been determined."