The Russian Embassy in the US. (Photo: Shutterstock)

In an interview published by National Interest magazine on Sunday, Ambassador Antonov said nearly all will be leaving without a replacement because Washington has abruptly tightened its visa requirements. Russian diplomatic agencies in the US are now working under unprecedented difficult working conditions, he said.  

The US dismissed 200 Russian citizens working at its embassies and consulates in Russia last Friday, after the Russian government required Washington to end its contracts with non-American employees by Sunday. This was Moscow’s response to Washington expelling Russian diplomats.