A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)

Summary

The 1917 Russian Revolution overthrew the old Russian Empire, which had recognized the United States in 1803 and established diplomatic relations in 1809. Normal diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia were interrupted in 1917 and were resumed on November 16, 1933, when President Franklin Roosevelt informed Soviet Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov that the United States recognized the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and wished to establish normal diplomatic relations. Litvinov on the same day replied that his government was glad to establish normal diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors. With the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the United States considered the Russian Federation as the successor state of the USSR. Please view the country entry for Russia.