According to Bloomberg, which cited anonymous sources, Washington told Moscow that it is open to discussing giving Russia a mechanism to verify that there are no Tomahawk cruise missiles stationed at NATO facilities in Romania and Poland if Russia offers similar information about select Russian bases.

Individuals familiar with the situation said the Biden administration has informed the Kremlin that it is open to discussing offering Russia a mechanism to verify there are no Tomahawk cruise missiles stationed at crucial NATO missile stations in Romania and Poland.

According to one source, the deal would only be reached after consultations with allies, particularly Poland and Romania.

At the sites in Poland and Romania, offensive missiles like ground-launched Tomahawks are not there, the US claims. Despite this, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the US and NATO may utilize the Aegis Ashore missile-defense systems to fire Tomahawks because the two weapons share launchers.

The suggestion reflects efforts to reduce tensions over Ukraine. 

Russia has repeatedly denied its plans to attack Ukraine, and Putin has demanded security guarantees, including that NATO closes its doors to new members in the region and not deploy offensive weapons near his borders.

Spokespeople for the White House’s National Security Council didn’t immediately comment. Putin held out hope on Tuesday that diplomacy would help resolve the tensions.