MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. The Kremlin has decided on the candidacy of Russia’s new ambassador to the US, and his appointment can be expected in the near future, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"The appointment may be expected in the foreseeable future," the spokesman said. He added that "the candidacy has been selected, and the necessary procedures are currently underway to confirm the choice and prepare the corresponding decree."

The spokesman assured that the diplomat's name will be made public as soon as all legal procedures are finalized. "Once all procedures are completed, we will let you know who it is," Peskov pledged.

He gave no specific terms for the appointment. "It might happen before the end of the year, or it might happen before the inauguration [of the US president, which will take place on January 20, 2025]. No one here is trying to match any exact dates," Peskov said.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin relieved Anatoly Antonov of his duties as Russian ambassador to the US. The corresponding decree was published on the government's official legal information website.

On October 5, the US Embassy told TASS that Antonov had completed his mission in Washington. The diplomat returned to Moscow the next day.