US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy Leaves Post Amid Tensions

Lynne Tracy, the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, is stepping down after serving since January 2023 during a highly tense period marked by the Ukraine war, which severely strained U.S.-Russia relations. Her tenure included significant diplomatic efforts such as securing the release of American detainees like journalist Evan Gershkovich and former marine Paul Whelan. Tracy's departure follows the appointment of Alexander Darchiyev as Russia’s new ambassador to the U.S., signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations under President Donald Trump's administration, which has taken active steps to repair ties after a prolonged period of hostility. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow announced a live stream event to bid farewell to Tracy but has not disclosed her successor. Despite optimism for improved relations and increased business potential, challenges persist, with Trump expressing frustration over the ongoing war and lack of progress toward peace. Tracy's roughly two-year term aligns with the typical tenure of her predecessor, and her departure comes amidst a broader diplomatic transition aimed at restoring dialogue between the two nations.