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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Photo/TASS
The decisive step was announced by a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry (Menlu) Maria Zakharova.
“We would like to be clear about the departure of the deputy head of the US diplomatic mission in Moscow, Bart Gorman, which some media have tried to present as a deliberate escalation on the part of Russia,” Zakharova said.
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He added, “It is true that the U.S. diplomat was told to leave Russia, but that was done strictly in retaliation for the unjustified expulsion of a minister-adviser to our embassy in Washington, contrary to his senior diplomatic rank.”
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“In addition, the US State Department categorically ignored our request to extend his stay. at least until a replacement arrives,” he said.
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Zakharova stressed, “As a result, she had to leave without being replaced, which only exacerbated the already critical personnel shortage at the Russian embassy, which arose as a result of the ‘visa war’ waged by America.”
The government’s official statement was made by Zakharova in comments posted to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
Tensions continue to rise between Russia and the US over Ukraine. The West accuses Russia of trying to invade Ukraine. Russia has denied the allegations.
(sya)
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