US to Expel 27 Russian Diplomats in January

Expulsions related to delays in renewing visas

by Jason Ditz Posted onNovember 28, 2021CategoriesNewsTagsRussia, State Dept

In a weekend interview, Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov revealed that 27 Russian diplomats are to be expelled from the United States by January 30, along with their families.

The expulsions are related to expiring visas. 24 diplomats had been expelled for the same reason in September. Officials say that there have been widespread delays in getting visas renewed.

Antonov said he views this as an effort to “squeeze” Russian workers, and cautioned that they are facing “a serious staff shortage.” The State Department said the move was not directed at Russia  and was “nothing new.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry reported that as of late October, 200 Russian diplomats were working in the United States. Maintaining those diplomats may be a challenge with the visa delays.

https://news.antiwar.com/2021/11/28/us-to-expel-27-russian-diplomats-in-january/