Russia's "impatient" diplomatic cut: What it means for the United States

United States embassy in Moscow

     The United States has put a number of sanctions on Russia recently. The bill was passed to punish Russia for the interference in the election and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. In response to this, Russia demanded that the United States cut their diplomats by 755, which is more than half.

     The sanctions were also put in place by the United States to punish those involved in giving weapons to Bashar al-Assad, the president of Syria, and a number of other matters including cyber attacks.

Russian and U.S. flag on the United States embassy, Moscow

 
     Some say this action is "impatient", and a US State Department official says that it is a "regrettable" decision. The cut looked to be an aggressive way to improve the relationship between the United States and Russia.

Sources used:
Congress sanctions on Russia
Diplomatic staff cut

More on annexation of Crimea and Russia's "collusion":
Sanctions for interfering with the 2016 elections
Crimea annexation

Questions for discussion:
1. Do you think the sanctions are a good punishment for Russia?
2. What does the diplomatic cut mean for the United States?
3. Was there any better way that Russia could have responded to these sanctions?