Russian Ambassador to the U.S.: My Mission is Coming to an End

The Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, has indicated that "his mission is nearing its end," which may pave the way for Moscow to send a new envoy to Washington at a time when relations between the two countries are at their worst in decades. There is a disagreement between the United States and Russia regarding Moscow's war in Ukraine, with their relations deteriorating to the lowest levels since at least the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. The Russian newspaper Kommersant noted Antonov's departure today, citing a handwritten note he sent to congratulate a research center in Moscow on the 30th anniversary of its founding. In the congratulatory letter dated June 29, Antonov wrote: "My mission is nearing its end. I hope that we continue to defend the interests of our homeland together!" Interfax news agency reported Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying to reporters when asked about the matter today, "There is no reason to comment here. Everyone can have their personal plans. Decisions regarding the appointment and change of ambassadors are made by the president." Antonov, 69, has held his position in Washington since September 2017. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Minister of Defense and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.