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Defense secretary says UK cannot yet return to business as usual with Russia

At the same time, the UK defense secretary pointed out that there still were possibilities for limited cooperation between London and Moscow

LONDON, March 31. /TASS/. The United Kingdom cannot yet return to business as usual with Russia, UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said following his talks with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis held in London on Friday.

"There is a pattern now of interference by Russia in different parts of the globe that needs us to be engaged with Russia, to be aware of what Russia is up to," he said. According to Fallon, "that is why there cannot be at the moment any return to business as usual with Russia."

At the same time, the UK defense secretary pointed out that there still were possibilities for limited cooperation between London and Moscow. "We work with Russia to deconflict in areas where Russian aviation may be involved," he noted.

"We engage with Russia in discussions about parts of the world where Russia has great influence, but otherwise we need to be extremely watchful now," Fallon added.