U.S.-Russia relations on the brink in Syria

The United States cut off diplomatic contacts with Russia over Syria today as Russia withdrew from a nuclear pact amid growing anger between the two countries. “There is nothing more for the United States and Russia to talk about with regard to stopping the ongoing violence in Syria, and that is unfortunate,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said today. Relations between Russia and the United States have deteriorated as a result of their backing opposing sides in the Syrian civil war. They have tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a lasting ceasefire agreement that would allow the parties to work together to fight Islamic State (ISIS). Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed today his country would no longer adhere to a 2000 agreement with the United States to destroy weapons-grade plutonium.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.