The United States has imposed sanctions on Russia not to punish ordinary citizens but to hinder Moscow's military actions, according to U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy in an interview with RTVI according to Lenta.
Assessed Over Time
Tracy emphasized that the effectiveness of the sanctions should be assessed over time. She explained that the better Washington understands what needs to be done to weaken Moscow's military-industrial potential, the more noticeable the additional effects of the restrictions will become.
"I regret that, to some extent, sanctions have impacted ordinary Russians... This is an unnecessary military conflict, and it has forced Russians to pay an entirely unnecessary price. When I look at all this, I always wonder: what has Russia gained in terms of economic and strategic security?" Tracy remarked.
Previously, Tracy stated that the U.S. tries to use communication channels with Russia to avoid miscalculations and misunderstandings in bilateral relations. According to her, Washington has made it clear that it is ready for negotiations on strategic stability, but the Russian side has refused.
About Ambassador Lynne Tracy
Lynne Tracy, appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia in January 2023, has had a distinguished career in the Foreign Service. Before her current role, she served as the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia from 2019 to 2022, where she focused on enhancing bilateral relations and supporting democratic reforms. Tracy has a deep understanding of Eurasian geopolitics, having also served in various capacities in Central Asia, including as Deputy Chief of Mission in Turkmenistan and as Principal Officer in Kazakhstan.
As Ambassador to Russia, Tracy has faced the challenging task of navigating the tense and complex relationship between Washington and Moscow. Her efforts have been directed toward maintaining open lines of communication to prevent further deterioration of ties and to manage conflicts diplomatically. Despite the hurdles, she remains committed to promoting U.S. interests and advocating for strategic stability.
