MOSCOW. Feb 22 (Interfax) - The Kremlin views the West's reaction to Russia's decision to suspend its participation in the New START treaty as a sign of unpreparedness for dialogue with Moscow.
"You and I have seen the first reaction. It is quite consolidated among representatives of the collective West. Clearly, this reaction does not give us a reason to hope for any willingness for dialogue or talks," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday while responding to a question on whether the Kremlin was expecting Russia's suspension of its participation in the New START treaty to push the West into resuming diplomatic talks.
"On the other hand, time is marching on, circumstances are changing, and it is important that Russia does everything to ensure national security, including in the field of strategic stability and arms control, and remains patient while waiting for our opponents to mature for a normal dialogue," Peskov said.
Journalists also asked Peskov under what conditions Russia would be ready to resume the fulfillment of obligations under the New START treaty.
"Everything will depend on the stance of the West. After all, Putin has made our concerns crystal-clear. We are concerned, as we bear witness to NATO's involvement in the conflict, as we actually see what the president said in his address yesterday: NATO is trying to turn the local conflict in a global one, on one hand. On the other hand, NATO retains the openly hostile attitude to our country. This is not just a verbal posture, in words. It is also acting, taking measures that encroach on our security. We have to respond. The situation will change as soon as there is readiness to take our concerns into account," Peskov said.