US levels sanctions against Russia over election hacking

HONOLULU — In a Cold War-era style diplomatic showdown, the United States unleashed a string of sanctions and ordered expulsion of 35 Russians in retaliation for alleged cyber-meddling against the U.S. election and Russia's foreign minister said Moscow is weighing a move to kick out a like number of Americans.

The confrontation, which had been festering even before the Nov. 8 presidential election elevated Donald Trump to the presidency, puts pressure on the billionaire businessman not let Moscow off the hook after he takes office on Jan. 20.

Russia's government threatened retaliation in general terms Thursday and continued to deny U.S. accusations that it hacked and stole emails to try to help Trump win. Trump said the U.S. should move on, but in a sign he was no longer totally brushing off the allegations, he planned to meet with U.S. intelligence leaders next week to learn more.

http://www.startribune.com/us-levels-sanctions-against-russia-over-alleged-hacking/408736215/