Russia expels US Diplomat

By
Tahira Khan
-
598
US Diplomat
Russia has expelled US Diplomat, Bartle B. Gorman, amid Ukraine Crisis. (Photo credits- Twitter)

Moscow, 18 February 2022 (TDI): Russian Federation has expelled the US Deputy Chief of mission to Moscow Bart Gorman, on 17 February 2022, amid the Ukraine Crisis.

The expulsion comes in the wake of the prevalent tensions between the US and Russia. Russia has repeatedly assured the West that it doesn’t intend to invade Ukraine. While the US and West are continuously accusing Russian Federation of the possible invasion of Ukraine and military build-up on the borders of the country.

In this regard, there has been a continuous exchange of words between the officials of the two states. The spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry also took to Twitter to caution the West.

US Diplomat expelled amid Ukraine Crisis

According to the US Embassy, Gorman was the second most senior official after the Ambassador and a key member of the management team in Moscow. However, Gorman departed the country along with his family on February 10, 2022.

Along these lines, the expulsion of the US diplomat came as a response amid allegations of possible Ukraine invasion that the Russian Federation continuously denies. As per remarks of the Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, Russia doesn’t want war with Ukraine.

What is Ukraine Crisis?

More recently, Russia is alleged to amass troops on the border of Ukraine. In response, the Russian side stated that Russia has no intention to invade Ukraine. But, it also doesn’t mean that Russia would allow others to trample on its national interests.

Therefore, a series of negotiations were held between Russian Representatives and the West to resolve the crisis. For these reasons, Russia demanded concrete and written replies from both US and NATO. In return, both NATO and US provided written responses to address the concerns of the Russian Federation.

Stance of Russia

According to Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian stance of Ukraine is a matter of Principle. In particular, he quoted words of President Vladimir which are as follows;

“If our attempts to come to terms on mutually acceptable principles of ensuring security in Europe fail to produce the desired result, we will take response measures.” – Russian President

Above all, the Russian measures can come in any size and shape. On behalf of the west, it has also expelled Russian diplomats in the wake of the Ukraine crisis.

Thereupon, the expulsion of US Diplomat Gorman is a kind of diplomatic tit-for-tat.

Stance of Ukraine

On the Ukrainian side, authorities are saying that there is a possible invasion of Ukraine. As a result, the Donetsk and Lugansk areas are under imminent Russian influence along with the autonomous status of Donbas.

Significance of Minsk Agreement

In response to Ukrainian Statements, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, impressed upon the implementation status of Minsk agreements. It is pertinent to note that UNSC has approved the Minsk package via resolution 2202.

Along these lines, this agreement defines the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests of Ukraine. Moreover, the package carries twelve recommended steps to resolve the overall crisis.

In the same vein, Russia is open to restoring bilateral relations with Ukraine. Nevertheless, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has also reaffirmed this position. In this context, the Russian Foreign Minister states;

“But if he (Zelensky) wants to discuss Donbas – please go to the Contact Group, which, according to the Normandy Format’s decision, is in charge of all settlement issues directly between Kyiv, Donetsk, and Lugansk.”