US Ambassador Summoned to Russian Foreign Ministry; Protest Note Delivered

The US Ambassador to Russia, Lynn Tracy, has been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where she was presented with a note demanding the cessation of any assistance to three American non-commercial organizations recognized as undesirable in Russia.

This was reported in a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry. The head of the American diplomatic mission was summoned on Thursday and notified that three US public organizations—"American Councils for International Education," "Cultural Perspectives," and "International Institute of Education"—are deemed undesirable in the Russian Federation. These organizations are reportedly involved in anti-Russian programs and projects under the guise of educational and cultural exchanges, aimed at recruiting 'agents of influence' with the support of the embassy.

The ambassador was delivered an official note requiring the cessation of any assistance to the activities of these NGOs. Continuing such assistance will be considered a violation of Russian law. Additionally, the ministry demanded the removal of any listings of educational projects and programs conducted by these NGOs from the official website and social media of the diplomatic mission, which are directed at promoting foreign values in Russian society.

The Foreign Ministry also warned Tracy that any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation will be strictly suppressed, including the expulsion of involved embassy staff as 'persona non grata.'