Russia presses ‘red line’ security demands on NATO and US

Russia has unveiled stricter laws enacting the US and Nato, which would undermine any hopes of Ukraine or other former Soviet Union for entering into an agreement across the Atlantic and re-enacting a number of policies that have strengthened European security since the end of the Cold War. .

Moscow’s demands continue beyond the “red lines” that President Vladimir Putin has spoken, who has said he needs to block Russia from intimidation, and many have already been criticized by Nato and its members.

The US and the EU worry that the idea could be the start of a war in Russia after sending about 100,000 troops closer to its border with Ukraine in recent weeks.

Putin, who denies that Moscow is planning to attack his neighbor, has condemned the conflict in Nato, over supplying Kyiv with high-level weapons and playing “arousing” exercises near the Russian border.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, said Moscow wanted to launch a dialogue on Geneva soon.

“The US and NATO have significantly increased security in recent years, which is unacceptable and extremely dangerous,” Ryabkov said. “Washington and its allies in NATO must immediately stop hatred for our country.”

Joe Biden, US President, agreed to discuss Putin’s grievances in video last week but did not say that Washington would accept his offer. Ryabkov asked the White House to consider Moscow’s intentions.

A senior US official said Washington was concerned about Russia’s “numerous atrocities” as well as “false news that Ukraine wants to start a conflict with Russia”.

Under the pretext of preparation, Nato had to apply for permission from Moscow to send troops to former European communist countries that allied with Nato in May 1997.

Nato would have to avoid “any military action” in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, southern the Caucasus, and central Asia; promising that you will not throw any weapons near Russia; and reducing exercise to numbers already agreed upon in the border areas.

A treaty different from the US would require each party to keep its bombs, submarines and missiles from moving away from the other party, and to reduce all of their nuclear weapons in their area.

The US can also swear that it will not establish a base in the former Soviet Union or ally with its allies.

The US official said Washington was ready to discuss further Moscow issues. “That being said, there are some things in the documents that the Russian people know will not be approved,” the official said.

Jen Psaki, a White House press secretary, told Air Force One: “We will not violate the fundamental principles of European security, including the fact that all nations have the right to choose their own future and foreign policy without interference from others.”

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg declined to comment on Russia’s demands, but said the agreement “is clear that any talks with Russia should address Nato concerns about Russia’s actions, in line with the principles and security documents in Europe.” like Ukraine ”.

Nato members want to avoid contradicting Russia’s ideology and not give Putin the victory over propaganda, while at the same time stating that many of his demands – including a ban on Ukraine’s membership in the alliance – are unacceptable.

Alliance officials are also aware that, in addition to negotiating a ceasefire and reducing Russian troops, Moscow wants to establish its own border crossings as a legitimate basis.

Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, said: “We emphasize that only NATO member states and Ukraine have the right to choose how to improve our relations, including the issue of Ukraine being a member of the alliance.

“It is the same with Ukraine’s independence and independence in its relations with the international community, including its military alliance.”