Antonov's return "does not mean a reduction in Russia's diplomatic representation in the United States," the Kremlin noted.
Kremlin Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has relieved Anatoly Antonov of his duties as Russia's Ambassador to the United States, who has held the post since 2017. This was reported by Russian media on Thursday, October 10. According to the decree, Antonov was relieved of his duties as Ambassador to the United States and Russia's observer to the Organization of American States in Washington.
"Our ambassador has been with us for quite a long time. He served under truly difficult conditions, when relations (between Russia and the US – ed.) were practically nonexistent. He worked without regular contact with representatives of the American administration. The work was difficult. He successfully accomplished his mission," Ushakov said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Antonov's return "does not mean a reduction in Russia's diplomatic representation in the United States."
Antonov, 69, led the diplomatic mission amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia. In 2017, the United States closed the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco. In 2018, the consulate in Seattle ceased operations. Restrictions on the work of Russian diplomatic missions were imposed, in part, due to suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election on behalf of Republican Donald Trump.
Antonov is under international sanctions for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.