US senator says Russia rejected visa application

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Senator Chris Murphy said Tuesday that Russia rejected his visa application to visit the country as part of a bipartisan delegation amid tensions with the U.S.

Murphy said Moscow is "further isolating" itself at a time when the former Cold War rivals are increasingly at odds over a slew of issues, including the recent termination of a ballistic missile pact meant to stave off the prospects of nuclear war.

"With the collapse of recent arms control agreements and significant domestic opposition to Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian rule, this is potentially a perilous moment for our two nations’ fragile relationship, and it’s a shame that Russia isn’t interested in dialogue," Murphy said in a statement.

Murphy is the second senator to say Russia has denied him entry.

On Monday, Republican Senator Ron Johnson said Russia denied him entry for a visit that was to include conversations with Russian parliamentarians.

"Unfortunately, Russian officials continue to play diplomatic games with this sincere effort and have denied me entrance to Russia," he said. "Regardless of this petty affront, I will continue to advocate a strong and resolute response to Russian aggression — and frank dialogue when possible.”

A third senator, Mike Lee, will still go on the planned trip, according to the USA Today newspaper.

Lee, Johnson and Murphy all sit on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.