Russia says Kaspersky removal in U.S. delays bilateral ties recovery

The Trump administration has told U.S. government agencies to remove Kaspersky Lab products from their networks. Washington said it was concerned the Moscow-based cyber security firm was vulnerable to Kremlin influence and that using its anti-virus software could jeopardize national security.

"These steps can only evoke regrets. They only move back the prospects of bilateral ties recovery," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Wednesday.

It also called for consideration of Russia's proposal to form a joint group to address cyber security issues.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Paul Tait)