US lawmakers cancel planned visit to Russia despite earlier agreements

US members of Congress will not travel to Russia on an official visit in June despite earlier agreements to arrange the trip, Vyacheslav Nikonov, a senior Russian lawmaker, has stated.

He said invitations had been sent to American lawmakers but that Russia had received no response, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The reciprocal visit had been expected to take place before the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4.

In March, a Russian State Duma delegation visited the United States for the first time in 12 years.

Alexei Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said the US side is not yet prepared for a return visit because it is focused on domestic political issues, including the upcoming congressional elections.

According to him, US lawmakers had also pledged to establish a friendship group to facilitate cooperation with the Russian parliament, but the initiative has yet to be implemented.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov