Russia will respond to US actions

This topic was addressed at the briefing today. In response to a question from a journalist for The Moscow Post, she recalled the US position in the situation with Russian diplomats.

"This again concerns the expulsion of a group of diplomats on January 30, but there was a report that some of them could re-apply for entry visas. Question: if such visa applications are made, then they will be issued through Warsaw?, "Asked The Moscow Post.

Maria Zakharova replied that you need to look here, who specifically is in question.

"Because as I told you, the Americans said they said (this is one of their fundamental positions) - that if a person, a diplomat has already worked a certain period, then he cannot apply for work in the United States of America as a diplomat in Russian foreign institutions for three years later," she explained.

We will see which of the diplomats is in question

And she added that it is difficult to say about whom specifically. "That's based on your question... These are already details that will be decided... At least I don't know. I don't know about that. And I think that it is better to clarify with the American side - where, how they plan to issue visas there and so on and so on, "said the representative of the Foreign Ministry.

The diplomat explained that at the moment she does not have such information about changing the order. And therefore, it is better to clarify this with the United States.

Earlier at the same briefing, Maria Zakharova said that the Russian side considers the departure of its diplomats from the United States precisely as an expulsion. Moreover, Russia will not leave this without a reaction.

"We consider the American demand precisely as an expulsion and intend to respond accordingly. By January 31, 2022, employees of the US embassies in Moscow, who have been on a business trip for more than three years, should leave Russia, "said a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Zakharova emphasized that this is not the choice of Russia.

"American partners imposed a similar" game "on us. We've been... and stubbornly tried to understand them and still direct them to some constructive solution to the issue, but... they made their choice. Until July 1 of next year, if Washington does not abandon the three-year rule, does not compromise, workers will still leave... , "she added.