Russia's ambassador in Washington on Monday described the US expulsion of 12 UN staff as a "hostile move".
"This is a hostile move against our country," Anatoly Antonov said on Facebook, adding that Moscow was "deeply disappointed" and "totally rejected" the US claims.
A spokeswoman for the US mission to the UN said those ordered to leave had "abused their privileges of residency in the United States by engaging in espionage activities that are adverse to our national security".
But Antonov said Washington had once again failed to "fulfil its obligations to ensure normal conditions for the working of foreign missions to the UN.
"Russian diplomats have once again been targeted," he said.
"Washington's acts are neither aimed at calming the scene on the international front, nor maintaining bilateral relations between two great powers at a level necessary for peace and international security," he added.
The 12 have been ordered to leave by March 7, according to Russia's ambassador to the UN.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Putin Meets Slovak Prime Minister at Kremlin: Russian Television Putin Vows "Destruction" On Ukraine After Kazan Drone Attack 2 US Navy Pilots Shot Down In 'Friendly Fire' Incident Over Red Sea Pics: Rahul Gandhi's Family Lunch At Iconic Delhi Restaurant Is Safe Car Enough? Volvo Crash That Killed CEO, Family Sparks Big Question "Nothing Short Of Nightmare": Woman Misses Life Event, Slams Air India Public Sector Hydropower Company Hiring For 118 Posts, Check Details Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe' Despite GRAP-4 Restrictions PM Modi Meets Yoga Practitioner, Other Influencers In Kuwait Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.