Moscow announces plans in the US, asks Washington to do one thing

On January 17, Russia will open polling stations in the upcoming presidential election at three of its diplomatic facilities in the United States.

Bầu cử Tổng thống Nga: Moscow thông báo kế hoạch ở Mỹ, yêu cầu Washington làm một việc

United Russia party members collect signatures to support their candidacy for Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming election, in Crimea on January 16. (Source: Reuters)

AFP news agency quoted Ambassador Antonov as saying: "We plan to open three polling stations in the US: at the Embassy in Washington, as well as consulates in New York and Houston."

The diplomat sent a note to the US State Department asking the administration of President Joe Biden to strengthen security measures and ban protests outside Russian diplomatic missions during the election.

"The security situation near our embassy and consulates has deteriorated significantly and this causes us great concern. We regularly witness protests and provocations organized by Kiev supporters outside Russian diplomatic missions," Ambassador Antonov said.

The decision comes as Moscow-Washington relations have plunged to their lowest point since the Cold War due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russia said it had not yet decided whether voting would take place in what it called "unfriendly" European countries.

“We are asking countries to ensure security,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said last week, adding that a decision would be made by the end of January.

The Russian presidential election scheduled for March 17 is likely to extend President Vladimir Putin's rule until at least 2030.

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