Russia sets out tough NATO demands
MOSCOW – Russia on Friday published draft security demands that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back the alliance’s military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe – bold ultimatums that are almost certain to be rejected by the U.S. and its allies.
The proposals, which were submitted to the U.S. and its allies earlier this week, also call for a ban on sending U.S. and Russian warships and aircraft to areas from where they can strike each other’s territory, along with a halt to NATO military drills near Russia.
The demand for a written guarantee that Ukraine won’t be offered membership already has been rejected by the West, which said Moscow doesn’t have a say in NATO’S enlargement.
NATO’S secretary-general responded Friday by saying any security talks with Moscow would need to take into account NATO concerns and involve Ukraine and other partners. The White
House similarly said it’s discussing the proposals with U.S. allies and partners, but notes that all countries have the right to determine their futures without outside interference.
The publication of the demands – contained in a proposed Russia-u.s. security treaty and a security agreement between Moscow and NATO – comes amid soaring tensions over a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine that has raised fears of an invasion. Moscow has denied it has plans to attack its neighbor, but is seeking legal guarantees precluding NATO expansion and deploying weapons there.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia’s relations with the U.S. and NATO have approached a “dangerous point,” noting that alliance deployments and drills near Russia have raised “unacceptable” threats to its security.
Moscow wants the U.S. to start talks immediately on the proposals in Geneva, he said.
NATO Secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance had received the Russian documents, and noted that any dialogue with Moscow “would also need to address NATO’S concerns about Russia’s actions, be based on core principles and documents of European security, and take place in consultation with NATO’S European partners, such as Ukraine.”