US authorities have declined to grant permission for Russian diplomats to travel to North Carolina to honor Soviet servicemen who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash during World War II. This incident occurred during a joint mission aimed at transferring seaplanes to the Soviet Union, known as Project 'Zebra', on January 11, 1945. The Russian embassy in Washington expressed disappointment over this decision, suggesting it reflects a broader trend in the West to downplay the historical significance of the Russian-American alliance during the war. In a statement released via their Telegram channel, the embassy criticized what they perceive as efforts to rewrite history and minimize the contributions of the Soviet Union in defeating Nazi Germany. They pointed out that the refusal to allow Russian diplomats to participate in the commemorative ceremony underscores a desire to overlook shared historical narratives between the two nations. Despite the lack of official authorization, some members of the Russian diplomatic staff proceeded to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where they paid their respects by laying a wreath and flowers at the crash site. The embassy highlighted the importance of such ceremonies in preserving the memories of those who fought alongside each other against common foes during the war. The Russian embassy characterized the joint mission as emblematic of the camaraderie between the United States and the Soviet Union in their efforts against Nazi forces. They emphasized the necessity of maintaining historical awareness to prevent the erasure of significant events and to counteract the glorification of those who collaborated with Nazi criminals. Tensions between Moscow and Washington have been escalating for several years, with relations further strained following the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. This deterioration was foreshadowed by the closure of several Russian consulates in the United States during the Obama administration, prompted by allegations of electoral interference in the 2016 presidential elections. Former Russian ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, has previously criticized recent actions by US authorities, including the closure of Russian Visa Application Centers in Washington and New York, and the revocation of tax exemptions for Russian diplomatic staff. He described these measures as an attempt to isolate Russian diplomats and stifle communication between the two nations. The embassy's remarks reflect a deep concern over the ongoing erosion of diplomatic relations and the increasing difficulties faced by Russian diplomats in the US. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the historical narratives of cooperation during World War II remain a point of contention, revealing underlying tensions that have persisted long after the war's conclusion.