Russia sends warning to US ambassador ahead of elections

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy on Thursday, warning Washington not to interfere in the nation’s upcoming elections.

The ministry accused three U.S. nonprofit governmental organizations, including the American Councils for International Education, of employing “anti-Russian programs and projects” to recruit “agents of influence.”

Russian officials said in a statement that Tracy was handed a note demanding she halt any assistance to the organizations.

They also demanded she remove from the U.S. Embassy website any reference to projects and programs used by the groups that are “aimed at promoting those alien to Russian society and values.”

“It is especially emphasized that attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation, including subversive actions and the spread of disinformation in the context of elections and a special military operation, will be strictly and resolutely suppressed,” the ministry said, warning that Moscow could expel U.S. Embassy employees in violation.

Russia refers to the war in Ukraine as a special military operation.

There was no immediate word from the U.S. Embassy in Russia on the confrontation.

Russia’s presidential elections will begin March 15 and last until March 17. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to win the election with ease, as opposition candidates have all been removed from eligibility or are in jail.

Putin, 71, has amended the Russian Constitution to allow him to stay in power until 2036.

It wasn’t clear what Russia is accusing the U.S. nonprofit groups of doing to interfere in the election. The American Councils for International Education, for example, run educational and study programs in Russia and other countries.

The U.S. accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 American presidential election in a systematic method.

U.S. officials are on guard for attacks on this year’s elections from both actors in Moscow, China and other foreign adversaries.

The Hill has reached out to the nonprofit governmental organizations for comment.

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