Biden nominee to be ambassador to Russia pledges to prioritize prisoner launch By Reuters

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Joe Biden’s nominee to be ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, pledged on Wednesday to make the discharge of detained People a precedence if she is confirmed to one among most vital, and difficult, U.S. diplomatic posts.

“The plight of U.S. residents detained in Russia might be a prime precedence for me,” Tracy stated throughout her affirmation listening to earlier than the Senate International Relations Committee, which passed off as Washington provides weapons and different assist for Ukraine because it battles Russia’s nine-month-long invasion.

Tracy, a profession diplomat and present ambassador to Armenia, promised to go to detained People, together with basketball star Brittney Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan.

Biden introduced Tracy’s nomination in September, weeks after the departure of John Sullivan, who had been appointed by former Republican President Donald Trump and was ambassador as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine plunged relations to depths not seen because the Chilly Warfare.

“It is troublesome to think about a tougher project for a profession diplomat,” stated Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, the committee’s chairman.

It was not instantly clear when Tracy would assume the submit, if she is confirmed as Russia should agree to just accept her.

Moscow has an envoy in Washington, Anatoly Antonov.

Tracy served as deputy chief of mission in Moscow from 2014 to 2017. A Russian speaker, she could be the primary lady to function U.S. ambassador to Russia.

Some committee members indicated that they anticipated she could be confirmed by the total Senate. “She’s examined, she’s eminently certified,” stated Senator Rob Portman, who represents Tracy’s dwelling state of Ohio and launched her on the listening to.

Senator Chris Van Hollen requested Tracy how talks have been going with India and different nations a few proposed value cap on Russian oil. “We’ve having conversations throughout the globe,” she stated, including “we proceed to encourage main purchasers of Russian power” to affix the trouble.

Western governments wish to set a most buy value for Russian oil on the world market to restrict Moscow’s skill to boost cash for its warfare on Ukraine.