US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price (Photo: Reuters)

Price said the US hopes that Russia will continue security talks, which need consultation from high-ranking Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. The same day, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman gave a speech about countries’ choices at the NATO-Russia Council meeting in Brussels.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said the two sides discussed measures to defuse dangerous situations at the meeting. He said NATO’s expulsion of Russian diplomats in 2021 was unacceptable, and Moscow will prevent any negative impacts on its security benefits. Grushko also requested a formal response from NATO about its security proposals.