Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the US Department of State's policy of granting US citizenship to the children of Russian diplomats. Zakharova expressed that this practice is used by Washington to exert pressure on Russian diplomatic personnel. The spokesperson emphasized that such forced citizenship practices contradict international law and bilateral agreements. Zakharova noted that diplomats' families have broad legal immunities under the 1964 Consular Convention. She also voiced concerns that risks such as child abduction could increase due to this practice. Russia argues that such practices violate international norms that protect diplomats' duties and families.