All you need to know about the new Russian ambassador to US

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Anatoly Antonov, a senior Russian diplomat and military officer, was appointed to serve as Russian ambassador to the United States on Monday.

Antonov was born on May 15, 1955 in Omsk.

He graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations University (MGIMO) in 1978, receiving a doctorate degree in political science. He then spent over 30 years working at the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he held various posts both in the central office and abroad.

In 2002-2004, Antonov served as the Russian Foreign Ministry’s ambassador-at-large.

In 2004-2011, Antonov headed the Department of Security and Disarmament and was a member of the Russian Foreign Ministry Board.

On February 2, 2011, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Antonov as deputy defense minister.

On December 29, 2016, Putin issued a decree appointing Antonov as deputy foreign minister.

Antonov, who headed a number of Russian governmental delegations abroad, has considerable negotiating experience. The official has taken part in talks with G8 states, as well as negotiations over the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and chemical and biological weapons ban treaties. Antonov also headed the Russian delegation at the talks with the United States on the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

He is proficient in English and Burmese.

Antonov is a recipient of Order of Merit for the Fatherland (fourth grade), Order of Honour and other state awards.