Russia announced that the United States did not grant a visa for a Russian deputy foreign minister to attend United Nations meetings, according to Russian officials.

The visa denial comes amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia's military operations in Ukraine and related diplomatic disputes. Russian authorities did not specify which deputy minister was affected or provide details about the timing of the visa application.

The incident highlights ongoing diplomatic friction between the two countries, with each side implementing various restrictions and countermeasures against the other's officials and diplomatic personnel.

Under the UN headquarters agreement, the United States as host country is generally required to allow foreign officials to attend UN meetings, though exceptions can be made for security or other concerns. Russia has previously complained about US visa restrictions affecting its UN delegations.

The development adds another layer to the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between Moscow and Washington, which has reached its lowest point in decades following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.