Due to the reduction of staff of diplomatic missions of the USA in Russia the terms of issuance of U.S. visas may increase significantly. About this on his Twitter page on July 30 wrote a former United States Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul.
“If these cuts are real, the Russians will have to wait for visa for weeks, if not months,” he said.
On 30 July, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the number of employees of American diplomatic missions will be reduced by 755 people. He also added that he does not exclude and other restrictive measures against Washington.
Prior to this, on 28 July, the Russian foreign Ministry suggested on 1 September to reduce the total number of staff employed in diplomatic missions of the United States in the country, to 455. This figure corresponds to the number of Russian diplomats and employees of technical personnel in the United States.
In Washington a measure called unjustified and causes regret.
27 July the us Senate passed a bill on sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea. The document was approved by 98 senators, two opposed. The draft law sent for signature to President Donald Trump. The bill provides for several limitations. Among them, the reduction to 14 days the maximum period of funding of banks, which are under sanctions, and 30 days — for oil and gas companies.
At the end of December last year, the outgoing administration of US President Barack Obama declared persona non grata 35 Russian diplomats. In addition, the Russian depravation was denied access to two residential complexes, the so — called suburban dachas of Russia’s permanent mission in new York and the Russian Embassy in Washington.