After the US expelled ten Russian diplomats last week, US diplomat Sullivan is now leaving Moscow. But in a few weeks he wants to meet with Putin.
Amid massive tensions between Russia and the United States, US Ambassador John Sullivan is temporarily leaving Moscow. "Ambassador Sullivan returns to the United States for consultations," the US embassy said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested Sullivan return home last week after the United States expelled ten Russian diplomats and imposed sanctions on Moscow. The punitive measures were taken over allegations that Russia interfered in the US election last year.
B iden thinks Putin is a "killer"
On March 17, Russia recalled its ambassador Anatoly Antonov from Washington to his homeland for consultations. This came after US President Joe Biden answered in the affirmative in an interview with ABC News that he considered his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin a "killer". Russia also reacted to the latest US sanctions with punitive measures and in return also expelled ten US diplomats.
"I think it's important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," Sullivan said. He has also not seen his family for more than a year. "This is another important reason for me to return home for a visit."
Possible meeting with Putin in a few weeks
He wants to come back to Moscow in a few weeks - before a possible summit meeting between Biden and Putin, the diplomat said. The Kremlin chief has not yet agreed, but is examining the possibility of a personal meeting with his US colleague in a European country this summer. Several EU countries have already offered to host it.
Last week, the United States imposed numerous sanctions against Russia and announced the expulsion of ten Russian diplomats from the United States because of alleged Russian interference in the US presidential election in November and a cyber attack. Russia then announced the expulsion of ten US diplomats.
New US administration tightens course against Russia
The historic rivalry between the US and Russia had recently intensified. Biden has announced a tougher course on Moscow after his predecessor, Donald Trump, was accused of being too lenient with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Relations are strained by the growing tensions in the Ukraine conflict and Russia's handling of the imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. In the meantime, however, Biden has proposed a summit with Putin in a third country.
