The Russian state information resources employees were supposed to report on Lavrov's activities at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York during the Russian Federation's presidency in the UN Security Council. Lavrov confirmed the denial of visas to his propaganda team personally, and his statement was published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry at 16:33. It is important to note that there is no time difference between Kyiv and Moscow during summer time.
Lavrov commented on the situation, stating that while he was aware of the US' reputation for such behavior, he had hoped for a different outcome this time. He emphasized that they would not forget or forgive this decision. According to Lavrov's deputy Ryabkov, as quoted by RIA "Novosti," the American side allegedly assured them that the visas were "on the way" and then refused at the last moment.
In retaliation, the Kremlin has declared that American journalists will experience maximum discomfort going forward, as reported by TASS with reference to an anonymous source.