In a move that could hinder the travel of hundreds of thousands of Russian tourists to the United States, the US Embassy announced that it will suspend the issuance of non-immigrant visas for Russian citizens for eight days starting Wednesday, August 23. According to the Associated Press, the US Embassy in Moscow stated on Monday, August 21, that the reason for this action is a reduction in its diplomatic staff. The embassy's statement indicated that visa issuance will resume on September 1, but noted that this suspension will definitely continue at the US consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok. According to statistics released by Russian tourism officials, nearly 250,000 Russians traveled to the US last year. Earlier in August, Russia ordered that 755 employees of the US Embassy and consulates (two-thirds of the US diplomatic staff) must leave the country. This decision was made after the US Congress intensified sanctions against Russia due to Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential elections, its aggression in Ukraine, and Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow had to retaliate against US sanctions due to what he called 'baseless accusations' against the country. Most of the staff at the US Embassy and three consulates in Russia, which number over a thousand, are local nationals. The US Embassy emphasized in its statement that Russia's action in reducing the US diplomatic staff has 'called into question Russia's seriousness about having a good relationship.' However, it stressed that it is working to 'carry out our vital mission components.' Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference that the decision to halt visa issuance by the US Embassy was made with the aim of creating dissatisfaction among Russians towards their government. Regarding Moscow's potential response to this action, he mentioned that Russia is 'reviewing' the US Embassy's announcement and added that, unlike the US government, Russia does not intend to retaliate in this regard.
US Embassy in Moscow Halts Non-Immigrant Visa Issuance for Russians
The US Embassy in Moscow has suspended non-immigrant visa issuance for Russians for eight days, citing a reduction in diplomatic staff. This decision follows Russia's expulsion of 755 US diplomats in response to increased US sanctions. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the US and Russia and could impact Russian tourism to the US.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The US Embassy in Moscow has suspended the issuance of non-immigrant visas for Russian citizens for eight days due to a reduction in diplomatic staff. This follows Russia's expulsion of US diplomats in response to US sanctions.
- The visa suspension affects hundreds of thousands of potential Russian tourists to the US.
- This action is part of ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, particularly related to sanctions and diplomatic staff reductions.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The US and Russia have been at odds over various issues, including election interference and military actions in Ukraine and Syria, leading to sanctions and diplomatic expulsions.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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