Govt ‘ready’ to talk missiles, exercises with Russia
The United States is ready to discuss with Russia the two countries’ missile systems and military exercises, in talks that could begin as early as today in Geneva, a senior White House official said on Saturday.
US and Russian diplomats are meeting in Switzerland to try to defuse tensions as Washington and Europe accuse Moscow of preparing a new invasion of its neighbour Ukraine.
“There are some areas... where we think it might be possible to make progress,” provided any promises are “reciprocal,” the official said, giving some details on a conference call.
“Russia has said it feels threatened by the prospect of offensive missile systems being placed in Ukraine... The United States has no intention of doing that. So this is one area where we may be able to reach an understanding if Russia is willing to make a reciprocal commitment,” said the official, who requested anonymity.
Moscow “has also expressed an interest in discussing the future of certain missile systems in Europe, along the lines of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty” and “we’re open to discussing this,” the official said.
Finally, Washington was ready to discuss the possibility of reciprocal restrictions on the size and scope of military exercises conducted by Russia as well as by the US and Nato, the source said.
“We won’t know until we get to these conversations starting tomorrow night whether Russia is prepared to negotiate seriously and in good faith,” the official warned, saying the Russians and Americans would likely have an “initial conversation” over the weekend before holding their “main meeting” today.
“We’re going into these meetings with a sense of realism, not a sense of optimism,” the source said, indicating that they would be “exploratory” and would not lead to firm promises.
US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman is scheduled to meet Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov for the talks, according to a State Department spokesperson.
Ms Sherman will be accompanied by Lieutenant General James Mingus, the Joint Staff director of operations, and Mr Ryabkov will attend the talks with Russian deputy defence minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin.