Kremlin Boots 4 British Diplomats

Russia retaliated against Britain in an escalating diplomatic fight July 20, but President Vladimir Putin sought to calm what he called a mini-crisis over his refusal to extradite a suspect in the murder of a Kremlin critic in London. Putin appeared intent on keeping the dispute over alleged Russian involvement in former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko's slaying from harming trade and investment ties. While Putin tried to play down the fight, he also suggested it was up to Britain to back off in the confrontation.