Russia agrees to Lynne Tracy's appointment as U.S. ambassador in Moscow - Deputy FM Ryabkov

MOSCOW. Sept 22 (Interfax) - Russia has given its consent to the appointment of Lynne Tracy as the new U.S. ambassador in Moscow, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

"We have given our agreement. They requested our consent for her some time ago," Ryabkov told reporters on Thursday.

Speaking of the possibility to boost contacts with the United States after the appointment of the new ambassador, he said Tracy would first have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

"We will take very seriously even the slightest sign of readiness for an improvement, either public signals or any actions. [...] But, unfortunately, for now the trend and the tendency are the opposite - they aim at the complete dismantlement and nullification of bilateral relations," Ryabkov said.

The interpretations of Russian red lines by certain Western representatives destabilize the situation and seek its escalation, he said.

"This shows that a hybrid war has really been waged against us, and the related risks should absolutely not be underestimated," Ryabkov said.