The President’s press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not participate in the nuclear summit in Washington because of the shortage of interaction on this subject during the preliminary training.
“The issue of nuclear security is highly relevant, however in Moscow believe that the study of issues related to nuclear safety requires common and joint effort and mutual consideration of interests and positions during the preliminary work. A certain lack of interaction during preliminary study of the issues and themes of the summit we experienced, so in this case does not occur and the participation of the Russian side,” – said Peskov, RIA “Novosti”.
The nuclear security summit held in Washington from 31 March to 1 April.
Previously Deputy assistant to the President Ben Rhodes said that Russia, having refused from participation in the nuclear security summit, have isolated themselves from the opportunity to discuss this issue.
Responding to this, Director of the Department on non-proliferation and arms control of the foreign Ministry Mikhail Ulyanov called politicized statements by Washington about the isolation of Russia in the discussion of the question of nuclear safety.
“Russia is one of the leading countries in matters of nuclear security. This subject is being discussed at the summit. We play a key role. So to say that we’re in lockdown, is politicized stretch”, he said.
In December 2015, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia does not seek isolation. “No we have no isolation, it does not threaten us. And we don’t revel in the decisions taken. It’s definitely not an inner need of the Russian people – to be closed from all sides, to preserve the Patriarchal order,” – said Medvedev.
In early November of 2015, Lavrov said that Russia, despite the actions of other countries, will never follow the path of self-isolation and search for enemies.
Lavrov also said that Moscow does not want and will not allow a new cold war, despite Washington’s attitude to confrontation and his attempts to influence partners.
