Russian condemns seizure of consulate in US

On Monday, the United States authorities seized the buildings of the General Consulate of the Russian Federation in San Francisco and the Trade Representation in Washington, D.C

These consulates are the property of Russia and were supposed to have diplomatic immunity.

Russian representatives are also being denied access to the rented premises of the Trade Representation in New York.

The Russian Foreign Ministry, through a statement said that “this outrageous move is in line with actual expropriation of Russia-owned countryside residences near Washington and New York, last December.

At present, the U.S. special services supported by armed police are in control of the seized buildings.

The ministry stated they treat these developments as a blatantly hostile act, a grave violation by Washington of the international law including the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations and the bilateral Convention on Consular Relations.

The recent closure is another act of escalating diplomatic tension between Moscow and Washington, after U.S. intelligence agencies alleged that Russia interfered in the 2016 American presidential election.

Last month, Russia demanded that the U.S. cut its diplomatic and technical staff presence in Russia by half.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the move was in retaliation over U.S. sanctions on Russia and the expulsion of 35 diplomats under former President Barack Obama.

Both the U.S. moves were in response to Russia’s alleged meddling in last year’s election.

It is unclear how President Trump, with a perceived notion of having closer ties with Russia than his predecessor, would use his power and influence to deescalate the rising tensions between the two nations.