Speaking to International Life magazine, the Russian diplomat stated that it would be unforgivable to miss this opportunity.

‘I think the answer is yes,’ the official said in response to a question about whether a window had been opened for Russia and the United States to normalize their ties.

Riadkov noted that such an opportunity ‘not only exists, it is probably greater than what many had thought before the summit and it will be much more unforgivable if we let it slip now.’

Russia is literally implementing the agreements reached in Geneva upon the delegation’s return to Moscow after the summit, the official stressed.

‘We delivered our proposals to the US fast enough on how to organize dialogue on strategic security,’ he said.

Riabkov pointed out that there are obstacles to the advance of the talks between Moscow and Washington, among which he mentioned the negative attitude on Russia in US media and Congress.

He pointed out that other difficulties are related to the need to bring to the surface and eliminate the bilateral problems accumulated over the years.

The deputy minister assured that Moscow expects to begin the first round of talks with Washington on nuclear weapons this month, although he acknowledged that so far there is no structured outline for the talks on the subject.

Riabkov emphasized that Russia will meet with the United States on the condition that its concerns are also taken into account.

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