**US Ambassador to Russia Set to Leave Post Amid Shift in US Policy**
The United States Embassy in Moscow has announced that Ambassador Lynne Tracy will soon be stepping down from her post. The embassy made the statement on June 12, but did not provide further details about Tracy’s departure.
This move comes as President Donald Trump makes a significant shift in US policy towards Russia, aiming to restore relations and negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine. It is unclear who will replace Tracy or what this change might mean for US-Russia relations.
**A Seasoned Diplomat**
Ambassador Lynne Tracy has been at the helm of the US Embassy in Moscow since January 2023, when she was nominated by former President Joe Biden. A seasoned diplomat with extensive experience, Tracy previously served as the US ambassador to Armenia and held posts at diplomatic missions in Russia, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
During her tenure, Tracy played a key role in negotiating the release of US citizens held in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. However, the period was marked by strained relations between Washington and Moscow, with the US imposing massive sanctions on Russia and backing Ukraine against Russian aggression.
**Trump’s New Approach**
The change in US policy under President Trump aims to restore relations with Russia and negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine. This approach has been met with skepticism by some, including former Ambassador Bridget Brink, who unexpectedly resigned as the US ambassador to Ukraine due to opposition to Trump’s foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Russia has also appointed its new envoy to the US, Alexander Darchiev, amid a thaw in US-Russian ties under Trump.
**Regional Tensions**
The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with reports of Russian drone attacks and ongoing fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. The death toll from a recent attack on Kharkiv has risen to five, as two more bodies were found in the rubble.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected claims of Russian advance as “a Russian narrative,” insisting that Ukraine’s forces have been holding off a renewed offensive for nearly three weeks.
**International Response**
The international community is watching developments closely. The European Union has announced plans to impose an additional price cap on Russian oil, and NATO is considering new initiatives to strengthen its presence in the region.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how this shift in US policy will play out and what impact it might have on regional stability.
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