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US Denies Visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alimov for UNGA 2026, Moscow Calls it 'Unfriendly Act'
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News18•22-09-2026, 15:50
US Denies Visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alimov for UNGA 2026, Moscow Calls it 'Unfriendly Act'
- •The United States denied a visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, prompting Russia to label the decision an “unfriendly act.”
- •Russia views the visa denial as a violation of the US’s responsibilities as the host country of the UN headquarters, citing a pattern of such denials for Russian officials.
- •Alimov, who oversees Russia’s UN portfolio, was expected to join the Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; his absence could impact Russia's direct participation in UN affairs.
- •This incident follows a similar visa denial for Alimov in May 2026 for a UN Security Council meeting, highlighting ongoing friction between Washington and Moscow.
- •The UN acknowledges unresolved visa issues for Russian and other delegations, remaining in discussions with Washington, which maintains control over entry while also having host country obligations.
Key Questions Answered
Russia condemned the US decision to deny a visa to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov ahead of the UN General Assembly as a violation of Washington's responsibilities as the host country of the UN headquarters. Moscow stated that officials traveling to work at the UN should not face discrimination or far-fetched visa denials.
Yes, according to Russian officials, Alexander Alimov was also denied a US visa earlier in May 2026 ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting.
No, the reported visa denial concerns Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov specifically. Available reports indicate that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the broader Russian delegation were not barred from attending the General Assembly.
