US Closes Russian Visa Center and Removes Tax Benefits for Diplomats

The US has notified Russian diplomats about plans to close the visa center. According to Kommersant, this was announced by Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to the United States. Antonov stated that consular services will continue.

Additionally, Russian diplomats have also been stripped of tax benefits. “The Americans have sent us a notification that the visa center is being closed. Now, an additional burden falls on the shoulders of Russian diplomats and consuls,” Antonov told reporters. He noted that the diplomats will continue to work and will make every effort to provide legal and consular support to Russians in the area.

The ambassador pointed out that the exemption cards for diplomats from taxes have also been revoked, which previously granted them benefits in any country, allowing them to live and not pay taxes. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated: “Moscow will respond to the US decision to close the Russian visa center.”