"As difficult as it is to pursue diplomacy in this context, we should not give up entirely on engaging with the Russian government where our interests so require. But our interests do not require pleading with the Russians for dialogue whether it's on arms control or the war in Ukraine," Sullivan told a Senate hearing.
Sullivan claimed, however, that the Russian government cannot be trusted.
"We should approach any proposed engagement or negotiation from a position of strength and confidence," he also stated.
Since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the West has imposed comprehensive sanctions on Moscow and sent billions of dollars in military assistance to Kiev, resulting in an unprecedented cooling in relations.