U.S. Officials Take Control of Three Russian Diplomatic Centers

U.S. officials have taken control of three Russian diplomatic centers on American soil. This action followed an order to close and vacate these premises. In response to recent actions, the Kremlin has summoned the U.S. Deputy Ambassador in Moscow. Earlier, the U.S. State Department had given until 2 PM local time on September 2 for the closure of the Russian consulate in San Francisco and its diplomatic buildings in Washington and New York. The order to close and vacate these centers was a reaction to Moscow's demand to reduce the number of American diplomats, which itself was a response to new sanctions imposed by the U.S. Congress. These actions are part of the new diplomatic tensions, actions, and reactions between the two countries. A spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Friday that U.S. federal agents intend to 'inspect' the diplomatic facility after the closure of the San Francisco consulate. However, the two countries have provided different accounts regarding the closure of one of these centers - the Russian trade center in Washington - after the deadline. Moscow claimed that U.S. officials 'threatened to break down the entrance door,' and the FBI 'took action to clear the area.' The U.S. State Department rejected these statements and accusations, stating that in all three centers, U.S. officials walked with Russian staff to ensure personnel vacated the buildings. In a statement released via email, the U.S. State Department said, 'Inspections were conducted for security and protection of the premises and to confirm that the Russian government had vacated the location.' The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it summoned Anthony Godfrey, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador in Moscow, to formally protest. According to this ministry, the diplomatic centers may be used by U.S. special forces for 'anti-Russian provocations.' Alexander Stadnik, the Russian trade representative in the U.S., told the state news agency TASS that the Washington center came under U.S. officials' control at 2 PM local time. Mr. Stadnik criticized the events, describing them as 'a threat to Russian citizens.' U.S. officials have not officially stated that they intend to inspect the centers. On September 1, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that the U.S. special service intends to inspect the consulate building in San Francisco and the residences of employees at this diplomatic facility while they have diplomatic immunity. While Russian officials criticized the short 48-hour window to vacate the premises, U.S. officials stated that 'other arrangements' were made for family members of diplomats to have 'sufficient time' to leave the apartments. The U.S. State Department announced that it would oversee all entries and exits to the premises and is responsible for their security and maintenance. Tensions between Washington and Moscow intensified during Barack Obama's administration due to events related to eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea by Russia. The U.S. and European countries have heavily criticized and sanctioned Russia regarding this issue and in connection with the deadly conflicts in eastern Ukraine. Russia has denied interference in Ukraine's affairs. At the same time, Russia has been accused by U.S. intelligence agencies of interfering in last year's presidential elections in the United States. Russia has denied this accusation.