US, Russia Should Be Able to Hold Talks When Needed

Washington will hold negotiations with Moscow, but the return to normal relations is still impossible, US Department of State spokesperson Mark Toner said on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States thinks Washington should be able to hold negotiations with Moscow, but the return to normal relations is still impossible, US Department of State spokesperson Mark Toner said on Friday.

"There should be a possibility for negotiations, if needed," Toner stated on Twitter. "But there can be no return to regular relations because of Russia’s actions in eastern Ukraine."

The United States imposed sanctions on Russia at the outset of the Ukraine crisis in 2014 for allegedly meddling in the internal affairs of the country.

Russia has repeatedly denied US allegations and asked for proof, which the United States and its allies have not been able to provide. Moreover, Russia introduced a ban on EU food imports and sanctions on certain US individuals.