Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said in an interview with Izvestia on Tuesday that the embassy has asked the American authorities to strengthen security measures for Russian diplomatic missions ahead of the country's presidential elections.
"The security situation at our embassy and consulates has noticeably worsened. This cannot but cause us serious concern. We regularly encounter demonstrations and provocative actions by supporters of the Kiev regime near Russian foreign institutions," he said, adding that "we expect that during the elections there will be a ban on pickets near our foreign institutions."
It was also noted that three polling stations are to be open, one at the embassy in Washington, D.C., and the other two at the Consulates General in New York and Houston. The elections are scheduled for 17 March.