The Russian president has rejected a suggestion of the foreign ministry to expel 35 American diplomats in response to a similar move by the US. He said Obama’s act was designed to provoke a reaction, but Russia would not take the bait.
“We reserve the right to retaliate, but we will not sink to the level of this irresponsible ‘kitchen’ diplomacy. We will take further moves on restoring Russian-American relations based on the policies that the administration of President-elect Donald Trump adopts,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement published by the Kremlin website.
Putin said that, unlike the Obama administration, Russia will not target foreign diplomats and their families days before New Year’s celebrations.
“We will not forbid families and children from spending the New Year’s holidays at the places they are used to. Moreover, I invite the children of all American diplomats with accreditation in Russia to New Year’s and Christmas festivities in the Kremlin,” the Russian president said.
Putin said he regretted that US President Barack Obama is ending his term “in such a way,” but that he extended his New Year’s congratulations to the outgoing US president and his family nevertheless.
“I congratulate President-elect Donald Trump and the entire American people!” he concluded.
Source: RT News
See also: Putin’s Masterstroke of Nonretaliation
Against the Grain 
How Putin Outclassed Obama:
The foreign policy of two Obama administrations has been a terrible mess. Think about his big initiatives and the results at the end of his rule:
“Reset” with Russia: FAILED
Negotiations with Iran: Somewhat succeeded but not institutionalized and in high danger of being reversed
“Pivot” to Asia: FAILED
TTP and TTIP trade pacts: FAILED:
New Middle-East peace initiative: FAILED
Regime change in Ukraine: Somewhat succeeded by ended in a huge fascist mess
Regime change in Libya: Somewhat succeeded by ended in a huge terrorist haven mess
Regime change in Syria: FAILED
About the only thing Obama achieved in foreign policy was to keep the European poodles in line. An easy task due to the lack of good European politicians. He had no chance though against the great and gracious opponent Putin can be.
Putin’s high class move today set the tombstone over a presidency history will judge far worse than its contemporary media echos reflect.
Source: Moon of Alabama