EMBASSY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
MOSCOW

 

OFFICE OF THE AMBASSADOR

August 5, 2019

Dear Mr. President,

American citizenship is a privilege and I believe the most basic responsibility in return is
service to country. To that end, I am honored by the trust you have placed in me as United
States Ambassador to Russia during this historically dif?cult period in bilateral relations.

Mary Kaye and I have given this sensitive assignment our very best. During our time abroad,
we have experienced family deaths, births and military deployments, not unlike many families
serving our nation abroad. During my tenure, I have had the high honor of leading hundreds
of talented, patriotic public servants who are themselves laboring under extremely dif?cult
circumstances to promote and protect America?s interests. They have endured unprecedented
expulsions, forced departures, and enormous professional disruptions. Though largely
anonymous, your team in Mission Russia is ?rst-rate and every American would be proud of
their work. Their efforts away from loved ones, in one of the world?s most forbidding
environments, are nothing short of inspiring. They deserve our endless gratitude.

Going forward, we must continue to hold Russia accountable when its behavior threatens us
and our allies. While much of what divides us is irreconcilable, there are common interests
we cannot ignore. No reset or restart is going to help, just a clear understanding of our
interests and values -- and a practical framework for sustained dialogue. Through our
diplomacy, we have worked to stabilize years of acrimony and incertitude with the hope of a
better relationship. Failure is not an option, and the people on both sides deserve

better. While times are tough, it is critical that we increase exchanges of people and maintain
channels for dialogue on issues of national interest -- combatting terrorism, ensuring
veri?able arms control, insisting that Russia respect the sovereignty of its neighbors, and
advocating for a more responsive system of governance that includes rule of law and respect
for human rights.

The President
The White House
Washington, DC. 20500

It has been a singular honor along with so many others at Mission Russia who have given
their all in serving our country at Embassy Moscow and our Consulates in Vladivostok and
Yekaterinburg. Yet, as I have shared with you and Secretary Pompeo, our desire is to return
to the United States after two years to reconnect with our growing family and responsibilities
at home.

Therefore, I humbly resign my of?ce as United States Ambassador to Russia, effective
October 3, 2019. It is my hope that this will allow suf?cient time for a successor to be
nominated and con?rmed. I pledge my full effort in facilitating a smooth transition that
ensures our foreign policy goals are kept in proper focus.

Most sincerely,


M. Huntsman, Jr. 
tes Ambassador to Russra