President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Lynne Tracy, a veteran diplomat who is currently working in Armenia, as the next US ambassador to Russia, media outlets reported on Wednesday.
Ms Tracy, who has served as ambassador to Armenia since 2019, would be the first woman to hold the post.
She would replace John Sullivan, whose planned departure was accelerated due to the failing health of his wife. Elizabeth Rood is currently serving as chargé d'affaires until Mr Sullivan's successor takes up the post.
The ambassador post comes amid soaring tension between Washington and Moscow over Russia's war in Ukraine. The issue of detained Americans is also likely to be a central issue for Ms Tracy, should she be approved to the post.
Mr Sullivan played a major role in securing the release of former marine Trevor Reed in May, and Ms Rood was often visible during court appearances for basketball star Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison on a drug possession conviction last month.
The nomination will be submitted to the US Senate after the Russian government signs off on the choice, the Associated Press reported, citing administration officials. Under diplomatic protocol, ambassadorial nominations must be approved by the host government.
Officials told AP that Moscow was made aware of the Biden administration's pick weeks ago but has yet to give its formal approval.
Ms Tracy, who speaks Russian, previously served as senior adviser for Russian affairs at the State Department's Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. She also worked at the US embassy in Moscow from 2014-2017 as the deputy chief of mission.
She was awarded a distinguished honour award from the State Department for her previous service in Moscow.
Mr Biden's planned selection of Ms Tracey as US ambassador to Russia was first reported by CNN.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE WARRIORS RESULTS
Featherweight
Azouz Anwar (EGY) beat Marcelo Pontes (BRA)
TKO round 2
Catchweight 90kg
Moustafa Rashid Nada (KSA) beat Imad Al Howayeck (LEB)
Split points decision
Welterweight
Gimbat Ismailov (RUS) beat Mohammed Al Khatib (JOR)
TKO round 1
Flyweight (women)
Lucie Bertaud (FRA) beat Kelig Pinson (BEL)
Unanimous points decision
Lightweight
Alexandru Chitoran (ROU) beat Regelo Enumerables Jr (PHI)
TKO round 1
Catchweight 100kg
Marc Vleiger (NED) beat Mohamed Ali (EGY)
Rear neck choke round 1
Featherweight
James Bishop (NZ) beat Mark Valerio (PHI)
TKO round 2
Welterweight
Abdelghani Saber (EGY) beat Gerson Carvalho (BRA)
TKO round 1
Middleweight
Bakhtiyar Abbasov (AZE) beat Igor Litoshik (BLR)
Unanimous points decision
Bantamweight
Fabio Mello (BRA) beat Mark Alcoba (PHI)
Unanimous points decision
Welterweight
Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Magomedsultan Magomedsultanov (RUS)
TKO round 1
Bantamweight
Trent Girdham (AUS) beat Jayson Margallo (PHI)
TKO round 3
Lightweight
Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) beat Roman Golovinov (UKR)
TKO round 1
Middleweight
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) beat Steve Kennedy (AUS)
Submission round 2
Lightweight
Dan Moret (USA) v Anton Kuivanen (FIN)
TKO round 2
