Russia, US Maintain Communication Channels

Moscow, March 3 (UNI/Sputnik) Russia and the United States maintain communication channels despite the strains in bilateral relations over Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Russia’s RBC.

“We undoubtedly support channels of communication with the US and with other Western states. We will continue to do this,” he said.

“We hope that, nevertheless, the understanding of the inevitability of overcoming the current crisis, if not chaos, in international relations will come to the main Western capitals, and they will take a more responsible approach to what is happening around them,” Ryabkov said.

The diplomat expressed hope that the dialogue on strategic stability with the US will not be disrupted despite the latter’s decision to suspend consultations on the issue. Ryabkov, also said that the negotiations on the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action are not put on hold due to the situation around Ukraine.

“I would not say that this work has been put on hold. I think it would be more correct to say that we are at the final stage of the relevant diplomatic efforts … Diplomats have done most of the work.”