"We advocate the swift return of all Russian citizens held in US prisons. We deem this to be a top priority. Therefore, we believe any speculation in this regard is unacceptable," Antonov stressed.
Furthermore, the diplomat urged the United States to stop detaining Russians in third countries.
"Russia has always stood up against Washington “hunting down” Russians in third countries and strongly demands an end to this practice. However, the U.S. Administration continues to live in its own world, built on its own rules, ignoring the interests of other states. We will never agree with such an approach," Antonov said.
"The fate of every Russian languishing in US jails is at the heart of our work. We closely monitor the health and the detention conditions of our compatriots. We remain in constant contact with them. We visit them whenever we can. We fight for their speedy return home and reunification with families," he said.
Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington took a turn for the worse after the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Nevertheless, on December 8, 2022, the United States of America and the Russian Federation exchanged Russian businessman Viktor Bout for American basketball star Brittney Griner in a one-for-one prisoner swap.