LONDON (AP) — British prime minister Theresa May said the Russian state is guilty of attempted murder of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, and, as a result, the United Kingsom expel 23 Russian diplomats, the biggest such expulsion since the Cold War.

May told the House of Commons on Wednesday that Russia has expressed "disdain" for Britain's wish for an explanation into the attempted murder of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.  She says that Russia's actions "represent an unlawful use of force."

May said the Russian diplomats have a week to leave Britain.

She also announced a range of economic and diplomatic measures, including a decision to cancel all high-level bilateral contacts with Russia and to ask the royal family not attend the soccer World Cup in Russia.

Russia has denied responsibility in the March 4 attack on the Skripals.