US’s Russian consulate places temporary suspension on non-immigrant visa requests in act of protest over Russian demands that US slash their diplomatic personnel. Yet, of those 775 “personnel” less then half are Russian citizens working at the consulate – PB/TK
U.S. makes another move in diplomatic row with Russia – By Kylie Atwood / Aug 21 2017
The U.S. will suspend non-immigrant visa operations in Russia from Wednesday, the State Department has confirmed. The move is in retaliation for Russia’s demand that the U.S. slash its diplomatic personnel in Russia by 755 people, after the U.S. passed new sanctions against Moscow last month.
The halt in processing visas for Russians hoping to visit the U.S. will last eight days at consular offices in Moscow and for the foreseeable future at the other U.S. consulates in the country. Visa appointments scheduled during that time will be cancelled.
Despite signing a sanctions measure, President Trump called the legislation “significantly flawed.” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, spoke with CBS N…
The U.S. Mission in Russia said it was taking the measure due to “departures and staff reductions” implemented to meet Russia’s September 1 deadline for the contraction of American personnel in the country.
