Source: SAUL LOEB / Getty
According to reports,
The U.S. imposed a sweeping set of punishments, including sanctions, against Russia on Thursday (December 29th) that target the country’s spy agencies and diplomats in response to its interference in the presidential election. The Obama administration acted after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia hacked emails of Democratic Party officials and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, which were then released by WikiLeaks, and did so to help Donald Trump’s campaign.
The U.S. also kicked out 35 Russian diplomats who the administration said were actually intelligence operatives, and shut down a pair of Russian compounds in Long Island, New York, and Maryland, saying it was done in response to Russia’s harassment of U.S. diplomats. President Obama additionally stated that the response wasn’t over, and that the U.S. could still take further covert action, meaning a cyber counterattack. At the same time, the FBI and Homeland Security Department issued a detailed joint report on the Russian cyberattacks.
Russia has denied the hacking allegations and said it would take retaliatory measures. Soon after, the closure of the Anglo-American School of Moscow was announced, a day school for international students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Also to be closed is the U.S. Embassy vacation dacha near Moscow. President-elect Donald Trump, who has been dismissive of the hacking accusations despite being briefed on the evidence, said in a statement yesterday that it was, quote, “time for our country to move on to bigger and better things.” However, he also stated, “In the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation.”
But yet the Trump camp won’t disavow what 17 intelligence agencies have confirmed. Since when did America support Russia? It’s going to be a long 4 years SMH.
