US closes Russian visa centres in Washington, New York

TASS reports.

He complained that the US administration had sent a notice of closure to the visa centres in Washington and New York, calling it a "petty, nasty case". 

Despite this, Antonov said Russia will continue to provide consular services to its citizens in the US.

"They took away our tax exemption cards. These cards provide privileges for diplomats in any country, allowing them to live and not pay taxes to the local treasury," he added.

According to him, the US has not explained its actions in any way.

"This is a serious additional burden for us, given the fact that our consulates general in Houston and New York are bleeding to death. Nevertheless, I assure everyone that we will not give up and will continue our work," Antonov stressed. 

Instead, Russia is considering possible retaliatory measures in response to the actions of the US authorities.

In his opinion, "the Americans are trying to break" Russia, change its foreign policy and "force diplomats to hide behind the walls of the embassy, not to communicate, not to work". 

• On April 30, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said that his country's policy on sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine had not changed.