John Sullivan concludes his tenure as US ambassador to Russia, leaves Moscow

US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan has concluded his tenure as US envoy and departed Moscow, the US embassy stated on its website.

“U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation John J. Sullivan has concluded his tenure as U.S. envoy and departed Moscow today. Ambassador Sullivan was appointed in December 2019 and has served as Ambassador for almost three years. 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 statement reads.

“Elizabeth Rood will assume duties as Charge d’Affaires at U.S. Embassy Moscow until Ambassador Sullivan’s successor arrives,” the embassy noted.

In March 2022, Sullivan gave an interview to Novaya Gazeta, in which he said that the US was not planning to shut down the embassy in Moscow, while US President Joe Biden had no plans to recall him. The diplomat also stated that he loves Russia and that he is concerned over the fate of Russian citizens.

John Sullivan was appointed US Ambassador to Russia in December 2019, after his predecessor Jon Huntsman departed Moscow, planning to run for Utah governor.

From 2017 to 2019, Sullivan served as Deputy Secretary of State. He previously worked at the Department of Commerce. He was also on the team of George H.W. Bush’s 1992 re-election campaign.

According to The Washington Post, Sullivan played a key role in expulsing Russian diplomats after the 2018 poisoning of former Russian military intelligence officer Sergey Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the UK.