Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu invited U.S.Defense Secretary Mark Esper to Moscow's June 24 Victory Day parade during a telephone conversation.
The counterparts spoke Tuesday, exchanging views on controlling the COVID-19 virus, regional security, arms control and other topics, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. It specifically mentioned Syria and Afghanistan as subjects Shoigu and Esper discussed.
"On the Russian side, concern was expressed about the consistent destruction of international arms control treaties by the United States, including the Treaty on Open Skies," the ministry said.
The White House said on May 21 that the United States will formally exit the treaty within six months.
Signed in 1993, and in force since 2002, the treaty gives its 35 signatories the right to conduct unarmed surveillance flights over other countries' territory to ensure that arms control promises are kept, with all collected information shared. It is regarded as an important element of trust and confidence-building, designed to prevent a Cold War-style nuclear standoff.
Russia has also recently begun intercepting U. S. military planes over international waters, notably in incidents over the Mediterranean Sea.
The Pentagon has not announced if Esper will accept the invitation to view the parade, an annual Red Square event celebrating the end of World War II.
The 75th Victory Day parade was postponed from its traditional May 9 date to June 24 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Related Links
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
| Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution. |
||
| SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal |
 |
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only |
Growing US-China rivalry seen fueling UN paralysis amid virus crisis
United Nations, United States (AFP) May 31, 2020
For nearly a decade, the UN Security Council has been frequently paralyzed by Russia's obstinacy over the Syrian crisis. Today, however, it is the US-China rivalry that has infected a growing array of issues, according to officials and diplomats. As recently as 2017, an understanding between Washington and Beijing allowed the United Nations on three occasions - involving separate sets of economic sanctions - to project international unity in the face of the North Korean nuclear threat. Three ... read more
from Military Space News, Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense https://ift.tt/2XxitsA
via space News
No comments: