Russia claims US ignoring outreach on nuclear disagreement
MOSCOW — Russia wants to sit down with Pentagon officials for “open and specific” talks on alleged violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, the Russian Defence Ministry said Saturday.
The U.S. claims Russia is violating the INF treaty, and on Dec. 4 issued an ultimatum that Moscow come into compliance with the accord in 60 days, or else Washington will withdraw. Russia denies it’s in breach of the treaty.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu sent his counterpart, U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis, a proposal for launching a dialogue three days ago, according to a statement Saturday.
But Russia says it hasn’t received any official reply from the Pentagon, which spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said proves that the U.S. is unwilling to maintain professional dialogue with Moscow on security issues.