Consul General of Russia in the United States Ovsyannikov said that his replacement has not been issued a visa for almost a year
Photo: Mike Segar / Reuters
The Russian Consul General in the United States, Sergei Ovsyannikov, in an interview with RIA Novosti, said that Washington had been refusing to issue a visa to his replacement, Anatoly Kargapolov, for almost a year.
According to him, the replacement should take place in May last year, however, due to the refusal to issue a visa, there is a delay.
The diplomat noted that he did not know when Kargapolov would be given a visa. According to him, due to the current situation, the Russian diplomatic mission in New York may be left without a consul for the first time.
In addition, Ovsyannikov said that the consulate currently has a record low number of employees.
“We really have four employees (not counting the consul, – approx. “Lenta.ru” ). Five families left at the end of January. Exactly four people remained,” the diplomat said, noting that 12 people had previously worked at the consulate.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov explained the reason for the departure of American diplomats from Russia. According to him, the process of staff cuts on both sides continues. “This is not our choice, but people from the American embassy are leaving in accordance with the requirements that we put forward,” Ryabkov explained.
On February 6, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said that by June 30 another 28 Russian diplomats would be forced to leave the United States. He recalled that 27 diplomats had already left Washington last week. According to the diplomat, the American side threatened arrests if the deadlines were not met.
