US ambassador to Russia leaves Moscow, will retire

By Jennifer Hansler, CNN

(CNN) - John Sullivan, the United States' ambassador to Russia, has left his post and will retire, the US Embassy announced Sunday.

Sullivan departs amid a period of heightened tensions between the US and Russia not seen in decades. He leaves after nearly three years as ambassador in Moscow, where he oversaw the embassy as it faced increasing restrictions imposed by the Russian government.

"U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation John J. Sullivan has concluded his tenure as U.S. envoy and departed Moscow today," the US Embassy in Russia said in a press statement.

"Ambassador Sullivan was appointed in December 2019 and has served as Ambassador for almost three years," the statement read. "Following his departure, he will retire from a career in public service that has spanned four decades and five U.S. presidents, including service as the Deputy Secretary of State and in senior positions at the Departments of Justice, Defense, and Commerce."

The embassy added that Elizabeth Rood will take over as chargé d'affaires until a successor takes over.

This headline has been updated.

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