On Thursday, Russia called in the U.S. Ambassador to express strong objections, warning of the potential expulsion of American diplomats as a response to alleged U.S. meddling in Russia’s internal matters.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of supporting “anti-Russian” NGOs and disseminating false information about the upcoming presidential election from March 15-17 and Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
The ministry emphasized its intention to counteract any foreign interference in its domestic affairs forcefully.
It specifically mentioned the possibility of expelling U.S. embassy staff involved in such activities.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of deteriorating diplomatic relations between Russia and the U.S., marked by mutual expulsion of diplomats, particularly since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
The ministry also demanded the cessation of U.S. funding to three educational non-profits, which it claims promote values contrary to Russian societal norms, identifying them as the American Councils for International Education, Cultural Vistas, and the Institute of International Education.
Russia routinely criticizes Western-supported NGOs and civil society organizations, alleging they foster revolutionary sentiment, a claim denied by both the organizations and Western governments.
Russia’s foreign ministry recently summoned the German ambassador to Moscow following the publication of a wiretap leak of a confidential German army discussion on Ukraine.
This came after Berlin accused Moscow of trying to “destabilize” Germany with the publication in which participants discussed the possible use of German-made Taurus missiles.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that Russia is engaging in an “information war” with Germany by intercepting and divulging a confidential conversation between senior Bundeswehr officers about Ukraine.
