US ambassador in Moscow heads home for talks amid sanctions stand-off

THE US ambassador in Moscow has said he will head home for consultations – a move that comes after the Kremlin prodded him to take a break after Washington and Moscow traded sanctions.

Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement that he is returning to the United States this week to discuss Us-russian ties with members of President Joe Biden’s administration.

He emphasised that he would come back to Moscow within weeks.

“I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Also, I have not seen my family in well over a year, and that is another important reason for me to return home for a visit.”

Mr Sullivan’s departure comes after Russia stopped short of asking him to leave the country, but said it “suggested” that he follows the example of the Russian ambassador to Washington, who was recalled for consultations last month after Mr Biden’s description of President Vladimir Putin as a “killer”.

Russia has set no time frame for Anatoly Antonov’s return to Washington.

Last week, the Biden administration announced sanctions on Russia for interfering in the 2020 US presidential election and involvement in the Solarwind hack of federal agencies – activities Moscow has denied.

The US ordered 10 Russian diplomats expelled, targeted dozens of companies and people and imposed new curbs on Russia’s ability to borrow money.

Russia denounced the US move as “unfriendly and unprovoked” and retaliated by ordering 10 US diplomats to leave.

But Mr Biden also called for de-escalating tensions and held the door open for co-operation. Russia said it was studying the offer.