Klintsevich expects countermeasures to strategy of counteraction to Russia promised by Mattis
MOSCOW. Jan 12 (Interfax) - Candidate for Pentagon head James Mattis' plans to elaborate a strategy of counteraction towards Russia will not be left without a reaction, Federation Council defense and security committee's first deputy head Franz Klintsevich said.
"Whatever they are working out, we will find some countermeasures," Klintsevich told Interfax on Thursday.
"We will be dragged into an arms race, but will find an adequate response to any threats which will emerge, if this new strategy appears," the senator said.
Klintsevich commented thus on nominee for U.S. secretary of defense Mattis's statement that he together with his subordinates plans to devise a draft strategy for countering Russia on the world arena. He said at the U.S. Senate hearings on Thursday that he would like to get acquainted closer with his team in the area of security and work out a draft strategy of counteraction to Russia because of what this country had already done.
Judging by Mattis's statements, a tangible thaw in Russian-U.S. relations is not expected yet, Klintsevich said.
"There will be some softening in some issues, there will be some improvement in some issues, but the general paradigm is set and will be continued. This is linked to the U.S. wish to dominate. The Americans have unfortunately never liked and will not like the fact that Russia pursues an independent policy," Klintsevich said.
