US Ambassador to Russia ends her diplomatic mission: what legacy does she leave?

Since January 2023, Lynne Tracy has served as the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia and has completed her diplomatic activity, leaving Moscow on Friday, June 27. This was announced by the US Embassy in Russia via its official Telegram channel.

In the statement from the embassy, it is emphasized that Ms. Tracy’s contribution during her diplomatic service was based on such important principles as maintaining continuous diplomatic relations, deep respect for Russian culture, and sincere service to the American people. Her work was distinguished by openness, sincerity, and unwavering belief in the need to conduct effective dialogue even in the most difficult times.

In turn, on the occasion of ending her mission in Moscow, Lynne Tracy shared her thoughts: "I am very proud to have represented the United States of America in Moscow during such a difficult period in our countries’ relations. As I leave Russia, I am confident that my colleagues at the embassy will continue to do everything possible to improve dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the US and Russian peoples. My meetings with representatives of the Russian people, who work sincerely for their country and strive for a better future every day, have always inspired me."

Lynne Tracy also quoted a famous poem by Alexander Pushkin "To Chaadayev" on the topic of patriotism:

“While we are burning with freedom,
While our hearts are alive for honor,
My friend, let us dedicate to our homeland
The beautiful impulses of our souls!”

Let us recall that Lynne Tracy has more than 30 years of diplomatic experience and was appointed US Ambassador to Russia in January 2023, replacing John Sullivan. Earlier, Tracy served as US Ambassador to Armenia, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Russia from 2014 to 2017. From 2017 to 2018, she was Senior Advisor for Russia in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the US Department of State.

On October 29, 2024, on the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repressions, Tracy, together with other Western diplomats, participated in a ceremony of laying flowers at the Solovetsky Stone in Moscow. On February 16, on the anniversary of the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, she also attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Borisovskoye cemetery in Moscow.

According to Tracy, after completing her mission in Moscow, she is completely retiring from diplomatic service and plans to spend more time with her family.

Undoubtedly, Lynne Tracy’s activity fell on the most difficult period in relations between the two countries, but her actions and attitudes during her diplomatic service were marked by a spirit of friendship and sincerity. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!