US Embassy staff in Moscow locked outside diplomatic premises

According to the US side, US Embassy staff were not allowed to enter their diplomatic resort on the outskirts of Moscow to retrieve personal belongings inside.

The US Embassy in Moscow accused Russian authorities on July 31 of preventing US diplomats from using a facility on the outskirts of Moscow, despite previously agreeing to give them access until midday on August 1 so they could retrieve personal belongings.

Russian Embassy in Moscow. Photo: Reuters

Meanwhile, the RIA news agency quoted a Foreign Ministry official as saying that the US Embassy sent the trucks there without prior permission. The official said that Russian law required permission for this because the facility was located in a protected area.

This diplomatic resort is located in a picturesque spot on a bend of the Moskva River in the northwestern part of the Russian capital. The US Embassy rents the facility as a recreation facility for its staff.

Moscow has said it will repossess the facility in retaliation against the US after Washington approved a series of new sanctions against Russia.

A Reuters cameraman outside the facility saw five unmarked vehicles, including a truck, approaching the site. He said vehicles were barred from entering the diplomatic facility.

An embassy spokeswoman confirmed that the US delegation had access to the resort until midday on August 1, but was currently unable to enter and wanted an explanation from the Russian side./.

According to VOV