LOC19:58
16:58 GMT
MOSCOW, Feb 9 (KUNA) -- The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that Moscow remains open to modifying the format of negotiations with the United States if Washington demonstrates willingness for serious dialogue.
In a statement carried by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the ministry said that communications with the US State Department are ongoing and uninterrupted but stressed that "normalizing cooperation between Moscow and Washington remains difficult without tangible progress on matters Russia considers a priority."
Russia has proposed resuming direct flights between the two countries, noting that the final decision now rests with the US, the ministry added.
On another front, the ministry criticized several NATO member states, particularly the United Kingdom and Canada, for imposing stricter administrative and regulatory restrictions on Russian diplomatic missions, describing such measures as "artificial" and obstructive to normal diplomatic operations.
The ministry emphasized that "talks of genuine cooperation with the UK, Ireland, and Canada at this stage do not reflect reality," and indicated that Moscow does not expect significant changes in British policy toward Russia in the near future.
Regarding the Ukraine conflict, the ministry described Russian-American efforts to find solutions as constructive, while accusing London of pursuing policies aimed at inflicting maximum damage on Moscow.
Tensions between Russia and Western countries have persisted since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, accompanied by reciprocal sanctions, reduced diplomatic engagement, and increasing operational restrictions on Russian missions and air travel.
Despite these challenges, Moscow and Washington have maintained intermittent channels of communication to discuss security and international political issues, including the Ukraine conflict and strategic stability. (end)
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