The Russian delegation's visit to the Capitol sparked a wave of criticism in the U.S. Congress, according to Politico
The Russian delegation’s visit to the Capitol drew a sharp reaction from U.S. lawmakers of both parties—both Democrats and Republicans.
Politico reports on this.
The tour was organized by the office of Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna. Democrat Mike Quigley emphasized that such a visit could threaten the safety of the Speaker, Congress, and democracy. “Foreign political agents of our adversaries should never be allowed on Capitol Hill,” he stated.
The Russian delegation included, among others, Vyacheslav Nikonov, the grandson of Joseph Stalin’s aide, and several members of the Duma’s Committee on International Affairs. They walked through the Capitol’s Statue Hall.
Democratic Senator Mark Warner called the meeting “extremely problematic.” Republicans also expressed outrage: Joe Wilson compared the event to a visit by representatives of the Third Reich, and Don Bacon called Russia’s aggression in Ukraine “a massive war crime.”
Democrat Jean Shaheen emphasized that officials subject to sanctions were granted visas and access to the Capitol, which lends them legitimacy and contradicts U.S. policy toward the Kremlin.
Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin sharply criticized Anna Paulina Luna for organizing a private tour for Duma members sympathetic to Putin. He also linked this meeting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine and Iran.
The article notes that the visit took place amid accusations that Russia had passed intelligence to Iran, leading to the deaths of American soldiers. The Kremlin states that it will cease providing intelligence to Iran only in response to the U.S. halting intelligence sharing with Ukraine; however, the U.S. administration has rejected this proposal.
As a reminder, members of the Russian State Duma arrived in the U.S. for the first time since 2022 at the invitation of Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury removed two Russian citizens, as well as a number of foreign individuals and a company, from its sanctions lists.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury also removed several individuals and entities from the sanctions list that had previously been subject to restrictions due to activities related to Russia. The reasons for this decision are currently being clarified.
