Defense Secretary Jim Mattis appeared at a congressional hearing on June 12 where he stated that Russia was an adversary, not an ally.
Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) asked, “Do you believe that Vladimir Putin has any real interest in a mutually beneficial, good faith partnership with the United States?”
Defense Secretary James Mattis, replied, “I do not see any indication that Mr. Putin would want a positive relationship with us. That is not to say we can’t get there as we look for common ground,” Mattis continued, “but at this point he has chosen to be competitive, a strategic competitor with us, and we will have to deal with that as we see it.”
Mattis pointed out that the two nations were on opposite sides in Syria.
On June 10 Russia complained that the United States had hit pro Syrian militia forces.
U.S. forces have occasionally clashed with government and pro-government troops in Syria. U.S. commanders have said they only did so in self-defense.
The hearing was held as Congress considered Russia sanctions.
Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Russia has also backed Syria in its civil war for the past six years.
The U.S. is not pleased with either action.
