Russia to appoint new ambassador to US soon

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed that the process of appointing a new Russian ambassador to the United States is nearing completion.

Lavrov told a press conference that the candidacy for the position is currently undergoing the necessary formalization procedures, which are expected to be finalized shortly, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"The new Russian ambassador to the US is going through the usual stages of formalization," Lavrov said. "The procedures will be concluded soon, and we will provide information about it."

He emphasized that Moscow would not place any obstacles in the process.

Lavrov also expressed the expectation that the US Republican administration would be keen on appointing a new ambassador. The current US Ambassador to Russia is Lynne Tracy.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree relieving Anatoly Antonov of his duties as Russian ambassador to the United States. The decision was officially announced on the Russian legal portal.

On October 5, the US embassy in Moscow stated that Antonov was completing his mission in Washington, and the following day, the diplomat returned to Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that the appointment of the new ambassador would not be influenced by the outcome of the US presidential election. According to Peskov, the new ambassador will be appointed at the appropriate time, and the level of diplomatic relations between Russia and the US remains unchanged despite Antonov's departure.

Meanwhile, voting in the US elections concluded on the morning of November 6, Moscow time. While the official results have not been finalized, Fox News reported that Donald Trump has secured 295 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win.

Trump has already declared himself the 47th President of the United States, and Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has referred to him as the "elected" head of state. Foreign leaders, including those from Russia, have begun offering congratulations to Trump.

By Vafa Guliyeva