The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation reported that it summoned the US ambassador to Russia, Lynn Tracy. As stated in the press service of the department, the reason is related to Russia's war against Ukraine, allegedly due to the expansion of "US involvement in hostilities".

 "On February 21, the head of the American diplomatic mission summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was given a démarche in connection with the involvement of the United States in the hostilities, which is expanding..." the message reads.

 It was noted there that the protest note handed over to the ambassador emphasizes "pumping up the Armed Forces of Ukraine with weapons." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia accuses the message of "the inability and falsehood of the American side's assertions that the United States is not a party to the conflict." They also threatened that "weapons supplied to Kyiv, as well as service personnel, including American citizens," are a "legitimate target."

 "In connection with this, the ambassador was informed about the counterproductive nature of the current aggressive course of the USA to deepen the confrontation with Russia in all directions. It is especially stated that in order to de-escalate the situation, Washington should take steps involving the withdrawal of US-NATO troops and equipment, as well as the cessation of hostile anti-Russian activity," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

 The Russian side demands that the United States provide an "explanation" regarding the explosions at the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines and "not to interfere" with an objective investigation to identify the culprits.