US Defense Secretary Carter Unengaged With Russia’s Defense Ministry

The US Defense secretary Ashton Carter has not engaged with Russia’s Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, US Defense Department Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a briefing on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has not had any talks with Russia’s Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, US Defense Department Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a briefing on Tuesday.

"The secretary [Carter] has not engaged with his Russian counterpart [Shoygu]," Cook said. "If for some reason the secretary believes it makes sense to engage with his Russian counterpart, he will."

Cook noted that the United States suspended military-to-military relations with Russia over Moscow’s alleged involvement in the crisis in Ukraine.

Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations and expressed readiness to resume dialogue with Western partners but based on mutual respect and cooperation.

"Right now, Secretary [of State John] Kerry is taking the lead with regard to the discussions with Russia," Cook explained.

On Friday, US State Department spokesperson John Kirby stated that the United States and Russia maintain routine military-to-military dialogue.