Lavrov to lead Russia's delegation to 77th UNGA session despite US sanctions amid war

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will he to New York, despite travel sanctions imposed by US, to le his country’s delegation to 77th United Nations (UN) General Assembly session in September. Kremlin's anuncement of Lavrov heing to United States came as tensions between Moscow and Washington have continued to escalate especially over ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. 

However, Russian state media RT stated that it is still unclear if US would allow Lavreov or any or member of Russian delegation to enter country, or even for UN event. On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vlimir Putin has “ plans” of heing to US or dressing UN but leer signed a directive designating Lavrov as he of Russian delegation. 

Lavrov will be reportedly accompanied by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin, permanent representative to UN Vassily Nebenzia and Senator Grigory Karasin and Duma deputy Leonid Slutsky. tably, while Slutsky was sanctioned by US in March 2014 for his support on Crimea issue, Lavrov was ded to same list on February 25 after Putin on February 24 anunced “special” military operation in Ukraine and unleashed a full-scale military offensive. 

After beginning of Russia-Ukraine war, Washington accused Russia's Foreign Minister of being “directly responsible for Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful furr invasion” of Ukraine. However, after previously dismissing sanctions by West as unilateral and illegitimate, Kremlin on Monday anunced that Lavrov will he to US for UN General Assembly, which tritionally takes place in third week of September. This year, 77th session would run from September 20-26. 

US mission to UN underscores visa obligations

On or hand, US mission representative to UN told TASS on Monday that Washington is ‘serious’ about its obligations on issuing visas within framework of its agreement with ncy. While replying to a question that wher Lavrov and or delegates would obtain visas for UN General Assembly, source told media outlet that as receiving country, US "has obligations within framework of agreement with UN to facilitate visits from UN member states". As per report, official emphasised that US mission to UN "was taking its obligations seriously". 

Im: AP