The operation of the Russian embassy in Washington is “blocked”, with its bank accounts closed and its staff receiving threats, the Russian RIA news agency reported today, citing Ambassador Anatoly Antonov, according to Reuters.
“The embassy is essentially blocked by US government agencies. The accounts of our two consulates in Houston and New York have been closed by Bank of America,” Antonov said.
“We are receiving threats both by phone and by incoming letters. At some point, even leaving the embassy was blocked,” he added.
Russia and the United States were embroiled in a row over the size and operation of their respective diplomatic missions long before President Vladimir Putin launched what he called a “special military operation” against Ukraine on February 24.
Since then, Russian embassies in Europe have also come under pressure, and more than 300 Russian officials have been deported from European capitals, prompting Moscow to expel foreign diplomats in retaliation.
The Russian ambassador to Poland told Reuters last week that blocking his embassy’s bank accounts last month could eventually prevent it from operating, prompting Russia to suspend work on the Polish embassy in Moscow.
Western governments have imposed harsh sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, with Moscow accusing them of “Russophobia”.
Source: Capital
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