Russia’s Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, is returning to Moscow at the end of his term, marking a tense time in relations between the two nations.
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Russia’s Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, is leaving his post and returning to Moscow as his term ends. The 69-year-old diplomat's departure comes at a time of high tension between Russia and the US. These are the worst relations between the two countries in decades.
Antonov, who was born in Siberia, has been Russia’s top representative in Washington since 2017. A career diplomat, Antonov is seen as a strong supporter of Russia’s government.
He has always backed President Vladimir Putin’s policies, especially regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry said, “Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Ivanovich Antonov is concluding his Washington assignment and heading to Moscow.” This announcement was made through the TASS news agency. Antonov himself had said earlier in July that his term was nearing its end.
There has been no official word yet on who will replace Antonov in Washington. He has been viewed as a tough negotiator with a military-style approach. His strong stance in favor of Russia’s military action in Ukraine is well-known.
In a recent message on the social media platform Telegram, Antonov expressed confidence in Russia's success in Ukraine, saying, “It is obvious to us that the enemy will be defeated and victory will be Russia's.” This message followed news of Russian forces capturing the Ukrainian mining town of Vuhledar.
Russia has described its actions in Ukraine as a “special military operation.” The Kremlin has often accused the US and its NATO partners of fighting a “hybrid war” in Ukraine by providing support to Kyiv. On the other hand, Ukraine and its Western allies see Russia’s actions as an unprovoked attempt to take control of Ukrainian land.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2022, has led to the most serious confrontation between Moscow and the West since the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. During that time, the US and the Soviet Union came dangerously close to nuclear conflict.
Before his time in Washington, Antonov served as Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister. He was in that role in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. His involvement in the annexation led to sanctions against him by European nations. Despite this, President Vladimir Putin appointed him as Russia’s Ambassador to the US in 2017.
Antonov graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1978. The institute was the main training center for diplomats in the Soviet Union. After graduation, Antonov worked for over three decades in the Russian foreign ministry, steadily rising through the ranks.
Before becoming Russia’s US envoy, Antonov was known for his skills in arms control negotiations. He led many Russian delegations in talks about international weapons agreements.
Now, as his term ends, Antonov heads back to Moscow, leaving behind a complex legacy during one of the most challenging times in US-Russia relations.
