The U.S. State Department is shutting down its consulate in Vladivostok, Russia, and suspending operations at one in Yekaterinburg, officials confirmed on Friday.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo consulted with Ambassador John Sullivan before deciding to implement the changes which the department says will “optimize the work of the U.S. mission in Russia,” a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The move is part of U.S. “ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Russian Federation,” the official wrote.
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