US to expel 60 Russians, close Seattle consulate over ex-spy poisoning

"With these steps, the United States and our allies and partners make clear to Russia that its actions have consequences," it noted.

On March 13, Trump spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May over phone on the poisoning incident, vowing to "stands in solidarity with its closest ally and is ready to provide any assistance the United Kingdom requests for its investigation."

"It sounds to me like they believe it was Russia and I would certainly take that finding as fact," he added.

Following the incident, Britain has announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats, freezing of Russian state assets, suspension of high-level bilateral contacts, and a boycott of this year's World Cup in Russia by ministers and royal family members. Moscow later expelled an equal number of British diplomats in response.

"The conclusion is obvious: it is another informational and political campaign based on a provocation," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted by Sputnik news agency as saying.