U.S. freezes military cooperation with Russia
WASHINGTON. March 4 (Interfax) - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has frozen military cooperation, including exercises, bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences, with Russia over the situation in Ukraine, DoD press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement.
"We have, in light of recent events in Ukraine, put on hold all military-to-military engagements between the United States and Russia," Kirby said, noting that he values military cooperation with Russia that has developed in recent years to increase transparency, build understanding and reduce the risk of military miscalculation.
"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.
At the same time, there has been no change in the U.S. posture in Europe or the Mediterranean Sea, he said.
