The United States had made it clear through diplomatic channels that its decision to exit the Intermediate Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty was final, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said at a joint news briefing by the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry devoted to the cruise missile 9M729.
He said the U.S. has made it clear during diplomatic contacts that President Donald Trump’s decision to abandon the pact is final and not subject to talks.
“We were given a clear message that this decision isn’t an invitation to dialogue and is final," RIA Novosti cited Ryabkov as saying.
"The treaty must be preserved," the diplomat said, adding that a dialogue between Moscow and Washington must be held "taking into account mutual interests and without any ultimatums."
