The first set of restrictive measures against US diplomats in Russia will take effect on the 1st of September, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told media.

“On July 28 the American side was notified of the measures to reduce US diplomatic presence in Russia and of the suspension of access to the US embassy’s diplomatic real estate. The first set of these measures will take effect on  the first of September,” Ryabkov  said.

Ryabkov stated that as of that date the overall number of personnel employed at the US embassy and the consulates in Russia must not exceed 455.

“This is precisely the number of personnel at the Russian offices in the United States,” Ryabkov said.

According to Russian media 700 US diplomats and staff of Embassy and Consulate will have to leave Moscow in August.