MOSCOW, March 04. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian Defense Ministry has taken account of the Pentagon’s decision to suspend all the military contacts between the US and Russia, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told reporters Tuesday.

“We took notice of their (the Americans’) statement, and of the statements of military representatives of some other countries, too,” he said.

“We proceed from the assumption that any collaboration — and the one between defense departments in particular — can only be based on the principles of mutuality and strictest parity, because this approach is the only one assuring the absence of winners and losers,” Antonov said.

“We believe communications between the military build up trust and bring clarity into actions and intentions,” he said. “In the final run, military activities become more understandable for all the sides involved and this, in turn, enhances security of each country.”

As for the Pentagon’s decision, that’s a choice made by the American side “and we take account of it,” he said.