The Defense Department has ‘put on hold’ military-to-military activities with Russia, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said on March, 3.
In a statement released to reporters, Kirby said the suspended activities include exercises, bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences.
Although the Defense Department finds value in the military-to-military relationship developed in recent years with the Russian Federation to increase transparency, build understanding and reduce the risk of military miscalculation, Kirby said, ‘we have, in light of recent events in Ukraine, put on hold all military-to-military engagements between the United States and Russia.’
The Defense Department is closely monitoring the situation and remains in close contact with the State Department and other government agencies, as well as with allies, partners and NATO, the admiral said. ‘We call on Russia to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine and for Russian forces in Crimea to return to their bases, as required under the agreements governing the Russia Black Sea Fleet,’ he added.
Furthermore, the United States has put trade and investment talks with Russia on hold as a rebuke for Russia’s incursion intoUkraine, a U.S. official said on Monday.
‘We have suspended upcoming bilateral trade and investment engagement with the government of Russia that were part of a move toward deeper commercial and trade ties,’ reuters.com quotes a spokesman for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as saying.
