Washington - The United States has suspended all military engagements with Russia, including military exercises and port visits, in connection with the latest developments in Ukraine, the Pentagon said in a statement on Monday.
Although the US Defence Department found military relations with Russia "valuable", “we have, in light of recent events in Ukraine, put on hold all military-to-military engagements”. Its suspension also applied to bilateral military meetings and planning conferences, the department said.
The Defence Department noted they continued watching the situation in Ukraine and stayed in contacts with allies and partners.
"We call on Russia to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine and for Russian forces in Crimea to return to their bases," a Pentagon spokesman, John Kirby, said.
The Pentagon denied media reports that in connection with the developments in Ukraine, the United States decided to send its warships to the region. The US naval forces were continuing routine earlier-planned operations and exercises with allies and partners in the region, the Pentagon said.
Meanwhile, President Barack Obama on Monday discussed with his closest advisors possible actions against Russia in connection with the recent developments in Crimea, an administration source told reporters.
They discussed steps to further isolate Russia in response to its actions in Crimea, he said.
Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Treasure Secretary Jacob Lew and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey participated in the meeting in the White House, which lasted more than two hours.
They considered various actions against Russia to convince it to immediately take steps to de-escalate the situation. Otherwise, the White House warns, it will have political and economic consequences for Moscow.
President Obama would continue receiving additional information about the situation in Ukraine and stay in contact with his foreign partners, the U.S. official added. – SAnews.gov.za-ITAR-TASS
