US, Russia talks on Ukraine to go on despite differences

GENEVA/MOSCOW/BRUSSELS: Top US and Russian diplomats agreed to keep talking even as they acknowledged a first round of security discussions did little to resolve their differences over Russia’s troop buildup near Ukraine or Moscow’s concern about the possibility that Nato may expand its presence further east.

Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov repeated Russia’s insistence it has no plans to invade Ukraine, even as it masses more than 100,000 troops on the border.

He described the talks as “businesslike and professional,” while US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman called them “frank and forthright”.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it saw “no significant reason for optimism” after the highly anticipated Russia-US talks over Ukraine and other security issues.

The talks aimed at defusing tensions over Ukraine took place in Geneva on Monday and offered no sign of immediate progress.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the manner in which the talks were held “open, comprehensive and direct” - “deserves a positive assessment,” but it’s the result that matters.

“So far, let’s say, we see no significant reason for optimism,” Peskov told a conference call with reporters.

“There are still several rounds (of talks) ahead of us, which will allow us to work out a clearer understanding, a clearer picture of where we stand with the Americans. For now, it’s impossible to draw any conclusions, unfortunately,” the spokesman added.

US reassures European allies after Russia talks

Wendy Sherman, who flew to the alliance’s Brussels headquarters from Geneva said that European allies are being kept in the loop, after meeting Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg and ambassadors from the Nato member states.

This comes after some European officials have complained that Washington is taking the lead in talks with Moscow.

They fear being excluded from moves to resolve tensions on the Ukraine border and to head off confrontation

“The United States is committed to working in lockstep with our allies and partners to urge de-escalation and respond to the security crisis caused by Russia,” Sherman tweeted.

With Stoltenberg, Sherman “affirmed a unified Nato approach towards Russia, balancing deterrence and dialogue, and stressed our unwavering support for Ukraine”.

And, in a tweet addressed to Ukraine’s deputy minister of foreign affairs Emine Dzhaparova, she assured Kiev that the allies “will not make decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine”.