JASON CARROLL, CNN ANCHOR: The Russian Embassy's press attache in Washington has had his second tour of duty cut short. Russian and U.S. officials aren't saying much about the incident, but CNN Justice Correspondent Kelli Arena has been talking to her sources.</s>KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Vladimir Frolov worked as a press attache here at the Russian Embassy in Washington. He has been abruptly recalled to Moscow. The Russians aren't saying why. But an intelligence source tells CNN Frolov was a handler for accused spy and FBI agent Robert Hanssen. U.S. officials aren't saying much either.</s>RICHARD BOUCHER, STATE DEPT. SPOKESMAN: We'll refer you to the Russian government for any comment they may wish to make.</s>ARENA: Frolov's departure comes as the Bush administration is,, according to sources, considering whether to demand an extensive withdrawal of Russian diplomats the U.S. suspects of being intelligence officers. Law enforcement sources say they are -- quote -- "close to being overwhelmed as the number of Russian spies is up to Cold War levels." The U.S. faced the same problem during the '80s. Then President Ronald Reagan expelled 100 Soviet diplomats.</s>DAVID MAJOR, FMR. FBI OFFICIAL: We now know, through some Russians who were working at that time, it caused tremendous problems for them. They were left what they called the "kindergarten residency" here in the United States. But slowly they reconstituted their capability. And their big heavies have come back.</s>ARENA: U.S. officials are concerned about retaliation against U.S. diplomats in Russia, especially CIA agents. (on camera): But one source tells CNN the intelligence community and other administration officials agree, as they haven't in years, that such a move is needed. Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.
Source: Recalled Russian Diplomat Was Spy Handler