James Mattis
Negotiations with Russia must lead from a position of strength. As reported by CNN, said Wednesday, February 15, the Pentagon chief James Mattis meeting with defense Ministers of countries-members of NATO.
“We remain open to opportunities to restore cooperation with Moscow, but at the same time, realistic in their expectations and recommendations of our diplomats to negotiate from a position of strength,” said Mattis.
As noted by the head of the Pentagon, despite attempts to communicate with Moscow, NATO must be prepared to defend yourself in the case that “Russia wants to act contrary to international law”. At the same time, he added that, “like the darkest days of the cold war, the United States remains willing to maintain open channels for political cooperation and de-escalation of tension”.
In mid-January Mattis, who was then the candidate for Minister of defense, called Russia the main threat to the United States. Official Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained these statements influence that the environment of the President of the United States Donald trump.