US notifies Russia of visa center closures in Washington, New York

In a diplomatic move, the United States has informed Russian officials of the imminent closure of the visa center branches located in Washington and New York.

Despite this decision, American authorities assured that consular services would persist, albeit with an anticipated rise in workload for Russian diplomats, Calber.Az reports per Russian media.

Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, conveyed the news to reporters, expressing concern over what he described as ongoing challenges in bilateral relations. "Every day attacks are made against us," Antonov remarked, highlighting the timing of the notification just following an event honoring the anniversary of World War II.

"We will continue to work, we will not abandon our compatriots," Antonov affirmed, pledging to uphold legal and consular assistance for Russian citizens in need. He noted that the United States provided no specific reasons for the closure decision and refrained from disclosing potential retaliatory actions by Russia.

Antonov further disclosed that alongside the visa center closures, the US has revoked tax exemption privileges for Russian diplomats. This move adds to the diplomatic tension between the two nations, signaling ongoing strains in their relationship.