NYT: after retaliatory measures of Moscow the US were more likely to refuse to Russians of visas
MOSCOW, 31 Jul — RIA Novosti. The Russians were more likely to refuse U.S. visas after Moscow responded to the sanctions bill Washington’s decision to reduce the staff of the diplomatic missions of the USA in the country. It is reported by The New York Times with reference to the representative of the firm helping the citizens of Russia to obtain the right to enter the United States.
“Never done that before: a day 50-60 denied to asylum-seekers, mostly young women,” the newspaper quoted an employee of the company Shavkat Butaev.
As writes the edition, the Russian retaliatory measures reminiscent of the decision taken by the Soviet authorities in 1986. While Moscow has demanded from Washington to lay off 261 employees of the American diplomatic missions, with the result that the Embassy had been almost no secretaries, chauffeurs, and other staff.
Previously at the U.S. Embassy in Russia told RIA Novosti that the downsizing of the diplomatic mission would slow down the consulates. At the same time, diplomats noted that the statement of former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul that the staff reductions will lead to a significant increase in terms of issuing visas, is his personal opinion.