MOSCOW – Russia says it has decided not to engage in preparations for a nuclear summit in Washington because it serves little purpose and gives too much weight to the U.S.
Wednesday's statement was the first confirmation by Moscow that it intends to snub the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. U.S. and European officials have earlier told The Associated Press that Moscow refused to participate.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in the statement that the previous such summits have largely fulfilled the set goals and the new meeting could add little to that. It also argued that the U.S. has tried to assume the role of "the main and privileged player" at the forum.
The ministry said that Moscow will focus instead on expanding cooperation within the International Atomic Energy Agency.
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