(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) The United States has suspended forthcoming trade and investment talks and all joint military engagements with Russia over situation in Ukraine.
"We have suspended upcoming bilateral trade and investment engagement with the government of Russia that were part of a move toward deeper commercial and trade ties," a spokesman for the Office of the US Trade Representative sai
Earlier, Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby announced in a statement that US-Russia "military engagements," such as military exercises and port visits, are on hold for no
"Although the Department of Defense finds value in the military-to-military relationship with the Russian Federation we have developed over the past few years to increase transparency, build understanding, and reduce the risk of military miscalculation we have, in light of recent events in Ukraine, put on hold all military-to-military engagements between the United States and Russia," the statement read
"This includes exercises, bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences." Kirby said the events in Ukraine have not changed US naval movements in the regio
"Some media outlets are speculating on possible ship movements in the region," Kirby sai
"There has been no change to our military posture in Europe or the Mediterranean; our Navy units continue to conduct routine, previously planned operations and exercises with allies and partners in the region." US President Obama met with his national security advisers late Monda
The group discussed how the US and allies could "reinforce that the Russians still have an opportunity to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation or they face further political and economic repercussions from the international community," an anonymous White House official told Reuters of the meeting. Earlier Monday, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters in a conference call that the US "has a broad range of options available" against Russia should tensions with Ukraine escalat
"At this point we are not just considering sanctions given the actions Russia is taking, it is likely we will put those in place and we are preparing that," she added. Top members of Congress announced they are considering loan assistance to Ukraine, as well as possible sanctions against Russian officials and "individuals." "We will also begin reviewing what authorities...we may provide the Administration so that the President can take actions to impose sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, and other individuals complicit in Russia's efforts to invade and interfere with Ukraine's sovereign affairs," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said in a statemen
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