Pentagon puts on hold military engagements with Russia

The United States has suspended military engagements with Russia over Ukraine. The Department of Defence of the USA in a statement has said it is suspending exercises and other activities with the Russian military over Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine, a central European country that was part of Soviet Union 22 years ago. Navy Rear Adm John Kirby, the spokesperson of Pentagon, the headquarters of the US armed forces, has said that the US military has “put on hold” all military-to-military engagements, including bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences. He mentioned that the Pentagon values the relationship it has developed with the Russian military in the last few years. “The United States calls on Russian forces in the Crimea region of Ukraine to return to their bases,” he added.