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The US State Department announced the suspension of operations at its two consulates in Russia, citing security concerns.
Reuters reported that, in a statement sent to the news agency on December 19, a representative of the US State Department said that after consulting with Ambassador John Sullivan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo decided to close the consulate in Vladivostok. . , The Far East of Russia, and ceased operations at the consulate in Yekaterinburg.
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| Relations between Russia and the United States are facing turbulence due to many problems. Photo: Reuters |
The statement asserts that the above decision, which is part of “continued efforts to ensure the safe operation of the US diplomatic mission in the Russian Federation,” does not affect consulates. Russian stores in the United States.
The statement did not provide a detailed reason for this move.
During the week, when asked about reports in the Russian media that the two American consulates might be closed, the American embassy in Moscow said it had stopped operations at the consulate in Vladivostok and delayed operations. in Yekaterinburg in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Relations between Russia and the United States have been strained on a number of issues, from conflicts in Syria to Ukraine, and accusations of Russian meddling in American politics, which Moscow strongly denies.
Hackers believed to be working for Russia have been accused of widespread attacks on US government agencies and private companies, according to Reuters. On December 18, Secretary of State Pompeo even claimed there was “pretty clear” evidence that Moscow was involved in attacks that left cybersecurity groups around the world working hard to limit the damage.
The Kremlin confirmed that Russia was not involved.
At his annual press conference on December 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that US President-elect Joe Biden will help solve difficult problems in relations between Moscow and Washington.
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