US may lower level of diplomatic ties: Russia

Russia does not exclude that the US may lower the level of diplomatic relations, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Friday.

"It cannot be ruled out that the Americans will risk lowering the level of diplomatic presence or carrying out new mass expulsions," he said, expressing hope that it will not happen.

He said Russia is building relations with the US based on the principle of reciprocity, including organizing the work of diplomatic missions.

Specifically, Moscow raises at all levels, the need for the Americans to return to normal consular visa relations, including the resumption of full-fledged visa services for Russian citizens on the territory of the country, he said.