The United States and Russia clashed Monday over the staffing allowed at their respective embassies despite the latest talks aimed at bringing more stability to a turbulent relationship.
In an interview, the Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov, deplored what he called “expulsions” of Moscow’s diplomats, saying the United States had become “persistent and creative in this business” by uniquely limiting Russians to three-year visas.
He said they received a list of 24 diplomats who are expected to leave the country before September 3, 2021.
He added that almost all of them will leave without replacements because Washington has abruptly tightened visa-issuing procedures.
State Department spokesman Ned Price described the ambassador’s remarks as “inaccurate,” saying the Russians knew their visas would expire after three years and that they were free to apply for extensions.
But he reiterated a complaint that Moscow had forced Washington to lay off nearly 200 locals at US diplomatic missions in Russia effective Sunday due to a new prohibition on hiring Russian or third-country staff.
Price told reporters “It is unfortunate because these measures have a negative impact on the US Mission to Russia’s operation, potentially on the safety and security of our personnel.
He added they reserve the right to take appropriate response measures to Russia’s actions, while denying that the three-year validity of visas was linked.
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