UPDATE - In tit for tat, Russia to expel UK diplomats: Lavrov

UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia will expel British diplomats in response to U.K. actions, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday, adding fuel to an escalating row over the attempted murder of an ex-Russian spy living in England.

"Certainly. Soon," Lavrov said when asked at a forum in Moscow if Russia will order British diplomats to leave.

Lavrov called the U.K. actions "the nervous reaction to Russia's return as an equal partner."

On Wednesday, Britain announced it was expelling 23 Russian diplomats after Moscow missed a deadline to explain how a Russian-made nerve agent was used in the attempted murder.

Lavrov added: "I think this story reflects the British government’s inability to fulfill its responsibilities under Brexit."

Earlier today, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the U.K.'s reaction to the attack on the ex-spy "irresponsible."

Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were admitted to a hospital after being found unconscious on a bench on March 4 in the southern English city of Salisbury.

Skripal was granted refuge in the U.K. following a 2010 spy exchange between the U.S. and Russia. Before the exchange, he was serving 13 years in prison for leaking information to British intelligence.

- Astana talks

The incident has been compared to the 2006 death of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko after being poisoned with a radioactive substance in a central London hotel. Former KGB bodyguards identified as suspects in the murder denied any involvement.

Lavrov also said Russia is ready to work with Mike Pompeo, the incoming U.S. secretary of state.

"We are ready to work with anyone," he said.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump named CIA Director Pompeo the next U.S. secretary of state, ousting Rex Tillerson.

The Russian foreign minister also said Iranian, Russian and Turkish foreign ministers will give recommendations to Syrian government and opposition during an upcoming meeting in Astana.

Speaking at the forum "Russia is a country of possibilities" in Moscow, Lavrov said: "In Astana, with foreign ministers of Iran and Turkey we will see how Sochi statement is being implemented and will define our recommendations to all parties, both to the Syrian government and to the Syrian opposition."

He also said Russia did not see any risks in the S-400 air defense systems deal with Turkey.

"I don't think we have to be concerned regarding S-400 delivery to Turkey.

- Afrin operation

"I am deeply convinced one cannot be on the swords with neighbors", he said.

About Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch Sergey in Syria’s Afrin region, Lavrov said the U.S. had "sincerely provoked Turkey" by its actions in the eastern part of Syria.

"Announcing, that the U.S. and Kurds will take control over Syrian-Iraqi border, the U.S. sincerely provoked Turkey to launch the operation.

“That was absolutely unprofessionally, illiberally, if those who made such an announcement in Washington hoped Turkey would just remain calm and look what happening, they have no idea what is the balance of power in the Middle East and in Syria in particular is."

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey's rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

The military also said only terror targets were being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.