Russia says it will expel an unspecified number of US diplomats in retaliation for Washington’s move to remove 12 of Moscow’s New York-based representatives to the United Nations, Russian state-media has reported, writes Al Jazeera.

“On March 23, a note with the list of the American diplomats declared ‘persona non grata’ was handed to the head of the American diplomatic mission who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”, - ministry reported.

“The US side has been given firm notice that any hostile action by the United States against Russia will be met with a resolute and appropriate response”, - read the statement.

The decision was taken in response to Washington’s expulsion of 12 Russian diplomats at the UN, it added.