Splits on Russia in German left risk undermining Merkel

FILE PHOTO: Russia's President Vladimir Putin talks to German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the G20 leaders summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer/File Photo

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's decision to expel Russian diplomats has split the Social Democrats (SPD), Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition partner, undermining her tough stance on Moscow just two weeks into a new government.

Berlin is sending four diplomats back to Russia, joining other European states, the United States and others in a concerted response to a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in England which Britain blames on Russia. Moscow denies any involvement.