Sergey Naryshkin, director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, confirmed in an interview with RIA Novosti that he met with CIA Director William Burns to discuss nuclear security and Ukrainian issues.

"For my part, I confirm Ms. Rood's statement. Additionally, I can note that the most frequently used words at this meeting were 'strategic stability,' 'nuclear security,' and 'Ukraine,'" Naryshkin said.

Earlier, U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Moscow Elizabeth Rood told RIA Novosti that Russia and the United States have a channel to discuss the topic of nuclear risk management at the level of intelligence services. If necessary, CIA Director Burns and Foreign Intelligence Service head Naryshkin could hold talks again, Rood said at the time.

Meanwhile, Rood also emphasized earlier that Washington is committed to arms control, waiting for an opportunity to resume dialogue with Moscow on strategic stability. She recalled that a bilateral consultative commission would soon meet to discuss implementation of the current Strategic Arms Reduction and Limitation Treaty (START III).