Russia invited additional diplomats from the United States to Moscow to normalize the work of the embassy and the provision of consular services. With such a statement, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Ryabkov, a TASS quotes it.
“In Russia, American diplomatic and consular presence decreased to the level when it is already simply impossible to provide the most basic consular services, for example, the issuance of visas to Russian citizens who need to go to the USA. From Russians it is necessary to literally go abroad to apply for American Visa, “said Ryabkov.
He called this situation intolerant, calling the American side to strengthen the embassy in Moscow and send employees to “somehow normalize the provision of consular services in Moscow.”
In August, the United States led the composition of their diplomatic structures in line with the new requirements of the Russian government. Now Washington can not hire to work in American embassies and consulates of Russians and citizens of third states. Commenting on the current situation, US Ambassador to Russia John Salvan noted that due to these measures, the numerical composition of American dipms in Russia will decrease to 120 people.