MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. A note demanding the US embassy stop meddling in Russia’s domestic affairs was handed over to US diplomats in Moscow on Monday, a source close to the Russian foreign ministry’s top-ranking officials told TASS.

"On February 7, 2023, an official note was handed over to the US embassy in Moscow demanding it stop activities incompatible with the status of a diplomatic mission, such as interfering in Russia’s domestic affairs," the source said.

"The Russian foreign ministry states that despite numerous warnings, in particular, the Russian foreign ministry’s note from December 9, 2022, the American diplomatic mission continues malign activities in the information space indulging in unbecoming remarks about the leadership of the host country and in spreading fake reports about the Russian army, which constitutes a punishable crime," he said.

According to the source, "American diplomats have been warned against attempts at sabotage by recruiting 'agents of influence’ to sow division and discord among the Russian people or stir up protests against the government." Those who are involved in such activities "will be expelled, regardless of their position," the source added.

"In this context, a stern message was given to US new Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who was received in the Russian foreign ministry to hand over her credentials, that it is necessary to strictly abide by Russian laws and cease any activities running counter to the Russian authorities’ demands and provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," he noted.