Moscow: Russia will not be represented by its ambassador at the inauguration ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced on Friday. Ushakov informed reporters that the typical protocol of an ambassador attending such events will not be adhered to on this occasion.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ushakov elaborated that the absence of an ambassadorial presence marks a deviation from standard diplomatic practices. "No one will represent Russia at the inauguration. Usually, the ambassador represents," he stated. Ushakov further explained, "Well, it means that if an invitation has been sent to the charge d'affaires, he will be present."

This development arises amid ongoing uncertainty over Russia's diplomatic representation in the United States. Alexander Darchiev, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's North America department and a reported candidate for the ambassadorial role, has not yet received approval from Washington.