The United States needs a complex strategy for Russia that includes publicly condemning Moscow's bad behavior while having private discussions with Russian officials at the same time, US ambassador to Pakistan David Hale said on Thursday during a Senate confirmation hearing on his appointment as under secretary of state for political affairs.
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 16th August, 2018) The United States needs a complex strategy for Russia that includes publicly condemning Moscow's bad behavior while having private discussions with Russian officials at the same time, US ambassador to Pakistan David Hale said on Thursday during a Senate confirmation hearing on his appointment as under secretary of state for political affairs.
Overall, I think its important that we adopt a multifaceted approach to Russia. They are a very difficult country to deal with. Their behavior in many areas is unacceptable, Hale said. I think its important that we call out these transgressions when they occur publicly. I think its important that we have a frank dialogue privately to express in very direct terms what we find objectionable or we believe needs to be changed.
The under secretary nominee added that he supports targeted sanctions against Russia.
Targeted sanctions I think will be highly effective in making sure that we continue to increase the costs for this kind of behavior, Hale stated.
Since 2014, relations between Russia and the United States have deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Washington has introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions after Crimea's reunification with Russia and the latter's alleged involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Russia has refuted all the accusations and taken retaliatory economic restrictions.
