The US authorities will dismiss more than 180 employees of diplomatic missions in Russia

The United States will fire 182 employees of American diplomatic missions in Moscow, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg because of the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to which the United States cannot hire foreigners and third-country nationals to diplomatic missions in Russia. This is reported in a statement US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all local employees and contractors of the US mission in Russia, whom we, unfortunately, have to fire. Your contributions and commitments have not gone unnoticed over the years ”, – wrote Blinken on his Twitter page.

According to Blinken, such a ban would negatively affect the work of American diplomatic missions, making it difficult to ensure the safety of employees and conduct a dialogue with Moscow.

“While we regret the actions of the Russian government, the United States will honor its commitments by continuing to maintain a predictable and stable relationship,” he said.

Russia restricted the work of the US embassy and included the country on the list of “unfriendly states” after Washington imposed new sanctions against Moscow, including the announcement of the expulsion of Russian diplomats.

On April 23, Putin also signed a decree limiting the diplomatic missions of “unfriendly states” from the ability to hire individuals who are on Russian territory.

“Agreements concluded prior to the entry into force of this Decree with individuals, the number of which exceeds the number determined by the Government of the Russian Federation, are subject to termination,” the document said.

US authorities must comply with the requirement to ban the employment of foreigners by August 1.