RIA Novosti: “John Tefft Sworn In as New US Ambassador to Russia”

John Tefft file photo

WASHINGTON, September 3 (RIA Novosti) – The new US Ambassador to Russia John Tefft has been sworn into office in Washington, the US Embassy in Moscow reported on Twitter.

“Congratulations! Today John Kerry has sworn new US Ambassador to Russia John Tefft into office,” the Tweet on Tuesday said.

The date of the diplomat’s arrival to Moscow has not been specified yet.

Jennifer Psaki file photoTefft’s work in Moscow will not be limited to the Ukrainian crisis, the US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told the press Tuesday.

“I think it’s important to remember here that there are a range of issues we work with Russia on. It’s not just Ukraine and our efforts to pursue a diplomatic path forward … we work with them on other issues, and that will continue, and that will be a part of the dialogue he has as ambassador to the country,” Psaki said.

Tefft’s nomination was approved by the Senate in August. Earlier, the diplomat served as Washington’s envoy in Lithuania, Georgia and Ukraine. The position of US ambassador to Russia has been vacant since the previous envoy, Michael McFaul, resigned in February.

[featured images are file photos]

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