Russia is accusing the U.S. of using its aid mission to meddle in domestic politics and influence elections. It’s a charge that’s likely to push relations between the former Cold War foes to a new low.
On Wednesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a blunt statement explaining the recent decision to close down the U.S. Agency for International Development in Russia by October 1st. The Ministry says Moscow is worried about the agency’s work in regions such as the North Caucasus, where Russia faces an Islamist insurgency.
USAID has worked in Russia for two decades. It is reported that USAID had worked on programs intended to combat disease, protect the environment, strengthen civil society and modernise the economy.
中国公众网摘编:GAN JADE |