Bilateral meetings, port visits, joint exercises and other activities have been put on hold, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, said Monday.
“We call on Russia to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine and for Russian forces in Crimea to return to their bases, as required under the agreements governing the Russia Black Sea Fleet,” he said.
Kirby also clarified that the U.S. military presence in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea will continue its routine and planned activities with allies and partners.
The military-to-military activities with Russia were developed to address concerns in building transparency and understanding between the two countries.