Kerry does not consider Russia a threat to the United States

US Secretary of State John Kerry does not see Russia as a real threat to Washington.

This position of the US Secretary of State was voiced on Friday by Deputy State Department Speaker Mark Toner.

“The Secretary of State does not agree with the determination that Russia, as well as China, pose an existential threat to the United States. These are two great countries that are engaged and cooperate on many issues, despite any differences of opinion that exist between us,” Toner said.

He clarified that it is primarily about cooperation in matters of Iran, Syria, ISIL and other global issues.

Regarding Russia's aggression in Eastern Europe, Toner emphasized that the State Department is making "very candid assessments of what Russia is doing in eastern Ukraine" and responding to the situation.

“We are also talking about the Baltic countries. As I said, we responded to this through our efforts to reassure allies, and continue to do so,” the US foreign policy official said.

“And of course, we help Ukraine by providing its support,” Toner added.

In addition, he recalled the efforts of the American side, aimed at the implementation of the Minsk agreements, primarily by Russia and the separatists.

“We must find a peaceful diplomatic solution in Ukraine, and we are focused on this,” Toner stated.

“Of course, we do not agree with Russia and its actions in the region, but we do not view it as a real threat,” he concluded.

Let us recall that the commander of the US Marine Corps, General Joseph Dunford, called Russia “the biggest threat” to the United States. Earlier, United States Air Force Secretary Deborah James made a similar statement.