Anatoly Antonov, Russia's ambassador to the United States, has been relieved of his duties, according to a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

Antonov, who was appointed in the role by the Russian president in August 2017, held the position for seven years.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday that the choice of a new ambassador will not depend on the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, adding that a new ambassador would be appointed promptly, according to Russian media.