Russia lists US as ‘unfriendly state’

Moscow, May 15: Russia on Friday formally designated the United States and the Czech Republic as “unfriendly states” amid the biggest crisis in ties between Moscow and Washington in years.

The Russian government released a decree signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that was accompanied by a list of “unfriendly states” that “have carried out unfriendly actions” against Russia, Russian nationals or Russian entities. The Czech embassy will be allowed to employ no more than 19 Russian nationals and the US embassy none at all, Moscow said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Moscow remained ready for dialogue, state news agency TASS reported, stressing the fact that Russia had now only two nations on its “unfriendly states” list.

Prague said the step would only “escalate relations” between Moscow and the Czech Republic, the EU and its allies.

“We are sorry that Russia has embarked on the confrontation road to its own detriment,” the Czech foreign ministry said in a statement.

“This measure will also indirectly affect the potential development of relations between ordinary citizens, tourism, and the development of business relations,” it added.

EU chief Charles Michel tweeted the bloc’s “full solidarity” with Prague as he insisted the move “undermines diplomatic relations”. “Efforts to divide the EU are in vain,” Michel wrote.

In recent months tensions have spiralled between Russia and the West over a litany of issues.