US orders 24 Russian diplomats to leave the country

In an interview with National Interest magazine, the content of which was published on August 2 on the Facebook page of the Russian diplomatic mission, Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said that the US has handed over to Russia a list of 24 diplomats who must leave the country before September 3 due to expired visas. Almost all of them will leave without replacements, because Washington has suddenly tightened visa procedures.

“The situation has not changed for the better,” the ambassador said. “Russian diplomatic missions in the United States are operating under unprecedented restrictions, which not only remain in force but are increasing. Despite US President Joe Biden’s statements about the important role of diplomacy and his readiness to develop stable and predictable relations with Russia, Russia’s diplomatic presence is being hit repeatedly.”

On this issue, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov stated that it is necessary to make a decision based on the principle of equality. At the same time, he expressed the opinion that the simplest and fastest way to resolve the situation could be to completely abolish all measures and countermeasures that hinder the work of diplomats.

Previously, on July 30, the US had to fire 200 local employees working at its embassy and consulates in Russia, because Moscow asked Washington to terminate the contracts of non-US employees by August 1.

This is Moscow's response to the US expelling Russian diplomats, after the two countries closed each other's representative offices./.