Russia warns of expulsion of US diplomats

"Attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation, including sabotage and disinformation amid elections and special military operations, will be resolutely and decisively stopped," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on March 7, regarding the summoning of Lynne Tracy, US Ambassador to Russia.

During the meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed Ms. Tracy about the legal issues related to three NGOs supported by the US Embassy in Moscow. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, these NGOs are implementing “anti-Russian projects aimed at recruiting agents of influence under the guise of educational and cultural exchanges.”

US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy. (Photo: Sputnik)

Moscow has sent an official note to Ms. Tracy, asking the US Embassy to cut off contact with these groups. At the same time, it asked the US Embassy to delete information posted on the official website and social networks about the above groups.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that Moscow will do everything to prevent “any acts of sabotage and dissemination of disinformation”, including expelling offending envoys.

The three organizations in question are the American Council on International Education (ACIE), Cultural Vistas, and the Institute of International Education (IIE). According to Anadolu Agency, all three organizations have been labeled “undesirable” by Russia. Therefore, Russian citizens are also banned from working with these organizations.

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly accused the United States of trying to interfere in Russia's internal affairs. Those claims escalated after Washington accused Russia of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

Kong Anh (Source: russian.rt.com)

Source