The US and NATO have no “aggressive intent” towards Russia, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, dismissing Russia’s warnings of a “military-technical” response to any hostile steps as rhetoric not aimed at the US.
Asked during a press briefing on Wednesday whether the US administration is concerned about the retaliatory measures promised by Moscow, Psaki said the ongoing diplomatic contacts were a “good sign” for strained US-Russia ties.
“The good sign is that there’s an open line of diplomatic discussion and engagement that is happening and we expect to continue, we hope to continue,” Psaki stated.
At the same time, she brushed off the warnings issued by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who said Moscow will take “appropriate military-technical measures” should the West continue with its “clearly aggressive stance.”
The remarks were not meant for the American audience altogether, Psaki claimed, apparently implying that it was merely tough talk for domestic consumption.
President Putin has his own audience, it is not the US or the people who live here, I don’t think for the most part.
The warnings were produced by Russia’s president during a meeting with the country’s top brass on Tuesday. Putin said he no longer viewed the West as a reliable partner, reiterating his goal of reaching long-term, legally-binding security guarantees. At the same time, he warned that the country is capable of producing an appropriate response to the continuing hostile actions.
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