“I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia,” Sullivan said.

“Also, I have not seen my family in well over a year, and that is another important reason for me to return home for a visit.  I will return to Moscow in the coming weeks before any meeting between Presidents Biden and Putin,” he added.

On Thursday, the U.S. announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats and imposed sanctions on six Russian technology companies as well as 32 other individuals and entities.

Russia retaliated the following day, expelling 10 U.S. diplomats and suggesting the U.S. ambassador return home for consultations. (ILKHA)