The U.S. government has spent about $ 3.4 bln to defend its allies in response to Russian provocations, the head of the U.S. Department of State John Kerry said at a press conference on Thursday, January 5, informs UNIAN.

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"We have been steadfast in supporting a democratic Ukraine and in responding to Russian provocations through expanded assistance to our allies in Northern and Central Europe," Kerry said.

He added that the amount of $ 3.4 bln was needed to help the countries to guarantee their security and to build up their defenses.

Earlier, during his last message to U.S. President Barack Obama, Kerry said that the "reset" of relations between Moscow and Washington in 2009-2013 gave the "tangible benefits" in nuclear arms control, as well as the "organization of supply route" for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He noted that the U.S. and Russia "have retained the ability to work together" in the common interest "in certain areas." As examples, Kerry mentioned talks on coordination in the Arctic and reduction of Iran's nuclear program.

However, he stressed that the parties still have difficulties and differences in dealing with certain issues. The U.S. Secretary of State said that "Russia's military intervention in Syria" and "unprecedented Russian cyber-attacks" are the "challenge for bilateral relations."

Source: UNIAN