Russia Suspended the Largest Russian-American Educational Program - Tefft

Russia has come out of the largest educational exchange program between the United States and the Russian Federation for the next two years.

United States ambassador in Moscow John Tefft told this, Censor.NET reports citing RBTH.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow was informed today that the Russian Government has decided to cancel Russian participation in the 2015-2016 Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program, the largest U.S.-Russian educational exchange program, the ambassador said. "We deeply regret this decision by the Russian government to end a program that for 21 years has built deep and strong connections between the people of Russia and the United States," Tefft said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Read also: EU Keeps Russia Sanctions in Place - EU Officials

The FLEX program has brought more than 8,000 Russian high school students to the United States to live with American host families, attend high school and experience community life for an academic year, the ambassador said. "These young Russians have served as cultural ambassadors, representing the best of Russia, to millions of Americans throughout all 50 states," he said.

"The United States remains committed to exchanges and programs that promote cultural ties and mutual understanding between the Russian and American people," Tefft said.