US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan returns to the US ” this week “ for some “Consultations”, against a background of heightened tensions between the two rivals, announced Tuesday, April 20, his embassy to Agence France-Presse (AFP). “I think it is important to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia”said Mr. Sullivan, quoted by his spokesperson, Rebecca Ross.
Mr. Sullivan assured that he “Will return to Moscow in the coming weeks, before any meeting between Presidents Biden and Putin”.
Moscow had “Recommended” last week to the American ambassador to return to Washington to “To have in-depth and serious consultations”. The Russian Ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, was recalled to Moscow on March 17 to “Consultations”, after President Joe Biden called Vladimir Putin “Killer”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the two ambassadors should only return to their posts when there is ” one direction “ to do it. “We can only call on everyone to calm down and let go of this massive anti-Russian psychosis and engage in a calm and constructive dialogue, in order to overcome the differences that exist., did he declare. Russia has been, is and remains open to dialogue. “
Tensions at the highest
A meeting between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden has been planned since last week after a proposal in this direction from the American president, to which Russia said it was open. According to Moscow, such a summit on neutral ground is ” in the study “.
Tensions between Moscow and Washington are at their highest amid disagreements over Ukraine, the fate of imprisoned Russian opponent Alexei Navalny and accusations of espionage, electoral interference and cyberattacks blamed on Moscow.
The United States on Thursday adopted additional sanctions targeting Russia, which include the expulsion of ten Russian diplomats and restrictions on the purchase of Russian debt for American banks.
Russia responded by expelling ten US diplomats, threatening Washington-funded funds and NGOs, and inadmissibility of several members of Joe Biden’s government.
