Carter’s speech was made in response to Russia’s alleged involvement in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee in July.
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He went on to claim that Russian Federation is driven by “misplaced fears”, adding that the United States doesn’t seek to defeat them militarily or constrain them in any way.
His comments risk souring an already tense diplomatic standoff between the two military superpowers, who are involved in ongoing talks over the future of Syria.
Russian Federation is a firm supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad, and their joint military operation has sometimes targeted the anti-Islamic State rebels backed by the Obama administration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sits before the start of the opening ceremony of the G20 summit, Hangzhou, China, September 4.
However, efforts are still going on behind the scenes and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said in London on Tuesday that an agreement was possible within 24 hours.
“The United States does not seek a cold, let alone a hot war, with Russia”, Carter said. Both Russia and the US are now attempting to negotiate a ceasefire in the country.
“We will counter attempts to undermine our collective security”.
The Pentagon chief urged Moscow to work with Washington toward a political transition in Syria, though he sounded less than optimistic.
“Today’s news out of Syria is not encouraging”, he said.
On Wednesday, Carter said that despite the exit vote, the US continues to view the U.K.as a key ally and partner in security operations in places like Iraq.
“It lashes out, alleging that it fears for its own viability and future, even though no nation-not the United States, not the United Kingdom – seeks to defeat it or constrain its potential”, he said. “And we will not ignore attempts to interfere with our democratic processes”.
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“The secretary affirmed his support for the long-term strategic partnership between the United States and Turkey and vowed the United States would continue to stand side-by-side with Turkey against shared threats”, Cook said in a statement.
