US ambassador to Russia heading home for consultations amid tensions

WASHINGTON -- US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said Tuesday that he would leave Russia temporarily to discuss bilateral ties with colleagues in Washington, days after Moscow suggested him to return home for consultations amid tensions between the two countries.

"I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," Sullivan said in a brief statement.

The envoy said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks" before a possible in-person meeting between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters later Tuesday that Sullivan is "returning at an opportune time to undertake consultations here to see his family," noting that his return was not an expulsion by Russia.

He added that Sullivan had been deeply engaged in "our new approach to Russia," which aims at a stable and predictable relationship with Moscow.

Sullivan's leave follows recent diplomatic clashes between the two countries.

Last Thursday, the Biden administration announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats and sweeping sanctions against individuals and entities in response to Moscow's alleged election interference and cyber activities.