MOSCOW. Feb 16 (Interfax) - The chairman of the Russian Federation Council Defense and Security Committee, Viktor Ozerov, has cautioned Washington against trying to negotiate with Moscow from a position of strength.
"The U.S. is a strong state from a military standpoint. Everyone understands that," Ozerov told Interfax on Thursday when commenting on U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis's remarks that the United States remained open to opportunities to resume cooperative relations with Russia but would negotiate with Moscow from "a position of strength."
"We will not be sparring partners who only receive blows. We will certainly respond," the senator said.
"When two strong persons meet, a business-like conversation happens between them. The U.S. respects our Armed Forces none the less. They know our strength," Ozerov said.