In the lastest development of a high-profile adoption case, a Russian diplomat may adopt a Russian boy abandoned by his U.S. adoptive mother, an official said Tuesday.

Pavel Astakhov, Russia's investigator of Children's Rights, made the announcement on the International Children's Day which falls on June 1, adding that the diplomat is working in an English-speaking country, according to RIA Novosti news agency.

The case has sparked a national outcry in Russia after eight-year-old Artyom was sent back to Russia alone last month by his U.S. adoptive mother, who abandoned the boy after a six-month adoption on the grounds of his allegedly mental instability.

The boy arrived in Moscow alone, carrying a note that says he is "psychopathic."

The Russian government followed the case closely, and said last week it could freeze adoptions of Russian children by U.S. citizens until the two countries sign an agreement that regulates such adoptions.

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