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Russia has warned the US and Nato to either join or face a security crisis in Europe, as it has slowed down the possibility of progress in talks between Moscow and Washington aimed at avoiding invasion of Ukraine.
Russian and US officials meet Monday in Geneva on high negotiations in Ukraine with global European security. The talks came as a result of Russia’s sending of about 100,000 troops close to its border with Ukraine and its warnings about war if the West ignored the demands of new guarantees that could undermine Europe’s security structure.
Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister and negotiator for Geneva, said Russia would not compromise on Nato’s bid to bar Ukraine from membership, a promise that the US and military alliances have already denied.
“Now the other side has to show flexibility. If they are not able to do that, then they will face the worst security situation, “he said he tells Russian journalist Ria. “I have some pessimistic predictions on this issue, but we constantly point out that without addressing this important task, meaningful dialogue will not work.”
The talks are the first in a series of diplomatic missions this week aimed at curbing the situation in Ukraine. Nato’s secretary general told the Financial Times that the alliance was expecting a “deal” from Moscow but to prepare for a possible dispute.
Ryabkov leads delegates on Monday closed talks with US delegates led by Wendy Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State.
“The US will listen to Russia’s concerns and share our concerns, but we are determined not to discuss security in Europe without our allies,” Sherman said as the talks began.
U.S. officials, while opposing any agreements that could end Nato’s “open” membership policy or reduce the possibility of the alliance protecting its members, have said it would instead be open to possible negotiations without sending weapons to Ukraine.
But Ryabkov said Moscow would not accept this as an alternative.
“I tell you this, in response they said: ‘We are ready to discuss NATO’s non-alignment, non-alignment with Ukraine, Georgia and other countries to the alliance,” he said. “We will not allow anything. This is never said.”
The two talks in Geneva will be followed by talks in Brussels on Wednesday between Russia and 30 Nato members.
Ryabkov said the talks do not seem to be encouraging enough.
“They want. . . [discuss] in their actions, and the policy that fits them, and emphasizes the so-called decline, the so-called ‘Russian violence’ in Ukraine, “Ryabkov added.” This is unacceptable to us. “
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