Russia: President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Washington wishes to discuss Russiato curb the security proposals of natoThe expansion to the east was “positive” amid Western fears over a major military increase in Ukraine,
Russia presented the United States and NATO with draft proposals last week, summarizing its demands in exchange for easing tensions on former Soviet Ukraine.
The documents called for NATO not to introduce new members to military alliances and called for no military bases to be established in former Soviet countries.
“There should be no eastward NATO expansion,” Putin told reporters at his annual press conference to be held at the end of the year.
“The ball is in their court. They need to give us some answers,” he said, but added: “Overall we see a positive response.”
“The American partners told us that they are ready to start this discussion, these talks, in Geneva early next year,” Putin said. He said that representatives of both the sides have been appointed.
Russia’s far-reaching demands were rejected by many members of the US-led coalition.
Washington said it was open to discussions but had not yet given a detailed response to Moscow’s proposals.
Western governments have accused Moscow of gathering troops near its border with eastern Ukraine, where Kiev is fighting pro-Russian separatists. Crimea in 2014.
The United States and Europe have warned Russia that Putin could risk unprecedented sanctions if he launches a military attack on NATO ally Ukraine.
Russia presented the United States and NATO with draft proposals last week, summarizing its demands in exchange for easing tensions on former Soviet Ukraine.
The documents called for NATO not to introduce new members to military alliances and called for no military bases to be established in former Soviet countries.
“There should be no eastward NATO expansion,” Putin told reporters at his annual press conference to be held at the end of the year.
“The ball is in their court. They need to give us some answers,” he said, but added: “Overall we see a positive response.”
“The American partners told us that they are ready to start this discussion, these talks, in Geneva early next year,” Putin said. He said that representatives of both the sides have been appointed.
Russia’s far-reaching demands were rejected by many members of the US-led coalition.
Washington said it was open to discussions but had not yet given a detailed response to Moscow’s proposals.
Western governments have accused Moscow of gathering troops near its border with eastern Ukraine, where Kiev is fighting pro-Russian separatists. Crimea in 2014.
The United States and Europe have warned Russia that Putin could risk unprecedented sanctions if he launches a military attack on NATO ally Ukraine.
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