US denies visas to Russian delegation members presiding over UN Security Council

CNN reported the information.

Thus, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said, "We urge Washington not to delay issuing visas to our delegation, including our journalists. Failure to issue visas violates the obligations of the United States as the host country of the UN headquarters, hindering the proper, full functioning of the world organization."

Antonov added that the US authorities "have not agreed to the plane’s arrival" with Lavrov on board.

"We expect the Americans to promptly issue a permit for the aircraft (to enter US airspace) without any conditions or restrictions," the diplomat said.

The presidency of the UN Security Council changes every month. Each member state takes turns in the presidency. Since April, Russia has held the presidency of the UN Security Council. According to Article 24 of the UN Charter, the UN Security Council, as a permanent body, is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.

• Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council a "bad joke."