Russia’s ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov has warned the US against provocations ahead of the Russian presidential election, saying such actions would seriously damage bilateral relations.
Antonov said the “degree of Russophobic rhetoric” of President Joe Biden’s administration “is off the chart.”
He also referred to a number of US provocations that he said are aimed at destabilizing the situation in Russia.
“From the high US tribunes we hear allegations about ‘aggressive ambitions’ of Russia in Europe. The Pentagon easily calls our country an ‘enemy’ of the United States,” the Russian embassy quoted Antonov as saying on Monday.
He added that, “State Department officials and lawmakers defiantly welcome fugitive representatives of the Russian ‘fifth column’, fervently convincing the latter of Washington’s continued support for the `struggle for the freedom of the Russians’.”
“Mass media are not far behind, calling for protests outside the embassy and consulates general and ballots spoiling on the election day.”
He urged Washington to “refrain from actions that could lead to a slide of bilateral relations into the abyss.”
However, Antonov noted that the Russian embassy is maintaining close contact with the US Department of State to ensure the security of the diplomatic mission.
“In conditions of constant provocations, the embassy works cool headed. We are working on organizing the upcoming elections in a business-like way,” he said.
“We hope that the US side will fulfill its obligations to ensure the security of the diplomatic mission,” Antonov added.
Russia will hold the presidential elections on March 15-17.
