Tensions between the U.S. and Russia have escalated again. On Friday (April 16), Russia asked 10 U.S. diplomats to leave the country and sanctioned eight current and former U.S. officials in retaliation for Washington’s expulsion of a similar number of Russian diplomats over allegations of Russia’s alleged malicious activities. Russia also suggested that the U.S. ambassador return to the country for serious consultations.
Reuters reported that the measures were Russia’s retort to the U.S. action and were approved by President Vladimir Putin. A day earlier (April 15), the White House announced the imposition of economic sanctions on Russian individuals and entities and the expulsion of 10 diplomats. The move was aimed at countering Russia’s alleged interference in the U.S. election, launching a massive cyber attack, bullying Ukraine and other malicious acts.
Russia, for its part, denies all of these U.S. allegations.
While Moscow reacted quickly, it also left the door open for dialogue and did not kill Biden’s idea of a Putin-Biden summit.
Russia announced Friday that it had expelled 10 U.S. diplomats and banned eight current and former senior U.S. officials from entering Russia for their contributions to Washington’s “anti-Russian line.
The banned U.S. officials include FBI Director Christopher Wray, National Intelligence Director Avril Haines, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Alejandro Mayorkas.
Others facing entry bans include Michael Carvajal, director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons; Susan Rice, director of the Domestic Policy Council; John Bolton, former U.S. national security adviser; and Robert James Woolsey, former CIA director. James Woolsey).
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it will also terminate the activities of U.S. funds and NGOs in Russia because it believes they interfere in Russia’s internal affairs, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke of possible measures to make U.S. operations in Russia “painful.
Other measures are designed to make it more difficult for the U.S. Embassy to staff itself.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is time for the United States to show some sense and abandon its confrontational course. Otherwise, a series of decisions that will be painful for the U.S. side will be implemented.
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the Russian side could choose to hurt the United States economically and reduce its diplomatic mission in Russia to just 300 people, but is restraining itself for now.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan should return home for consultations.
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