Our top story, Vladimir Putin confirmed sunday he has given up on improving relations with the u. S. For the time being. The russian leader order et the u. S. To slash its diplomatic staff in russia by plor than half. 755 people to leave their posts by september 1st. He said, pending u. S. Sanctions forced him to retaliate. Translator we waited a long time for things to perhaps change for the better. We had such hope that the situation would change. But judging by the situation, that will not be soon. U. S. Announcing the order as regrettable and uncalled for. Lets go live to moscow. Claire sebastian following this for us at this hour. Claire, to have staff slashed by more than half, what does that do to the u. S. Admission in russia . George, an extremely serious move however you look at it. It is not exactly clear at the moment who this will apply to, the 755 people diplomats, technical staff, combination two of the. And whether or not it will include russian local staff because we k