Russia: We never expected ‘simplicity in relations’ with US

A Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Thursday said that Moscow never expected “simplicity in relations with the United States,” following comments made by secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

“We look realistically at our bilateral relations,” said Maria Zakharova, as reported by Tass news agency.

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Tillerson said that he would have advocated a “show of force” in Ukraine to deter further Russian aggression in the region.

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“Clearly the sanctions that were put in place in response to [the Russian annexation of] Crimea did not deter them from entering Ukraine,” Tillerson said, later adding that “there should have been a show of force, a military response, in defensive posture … to send a message that it stops here.”

The Russian spokeswoman declined to directly address the comments, stating that Moscow will provide a comment “after Tillerson is appointed.”

“After Tillerson is appointed, official statements will be made and we’ll comment on them,” Zakharova said.

“Now even the appointment has not been made and there is still a long way for the new administration to take their seats. Give them some time,” the spokeswoman added.