WASHNGTON: The United States has suspended forthcoming trade and investment talks with Russia over situation in Ukraine, according to a US official.
“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,” a spokesman for the Office of the US Trade Representative said.
Earlier in a statement on Monday evening, the Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said that the US has suspended military cooperation with Russia due to its military intervention in Ukraine.
“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,” the Pentagon spokesman said.
The US military has put on hold all military-to-military engagements including bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences, Kirby said.
On Saturday, the Russian parliament unanimously approved a request by President Vladimir Putin to send Russian military forces to Ukraine to ensure peace and order in the region until the socio-political situation in the country is stabilized.
However, Putin has not yet made a decision about sending troops.
