New York Times: Russia Demanded NATO Withdrawal to 1997 Positions; Moscow's New Terms for Ending War in Ukraine.
The New York Times reported that in the secret negotiations in Abu Dhabi to end the war in Ukraine, Russia again demanded the withdrawal of NATO forces and military bases to the positions of 1997, before expanding this alliance to Eastern Europe.
According to a November 10 document obtained by The New York Times, Moscow presented extensive conditions for a peace agreement:
Stopping the expansion of NATO and preventing new companies from joining this alliance.
Withdrawal of NATO forces and military bases from Eastern European countries, including Poland and the Baltic states, to the situation of 1997.
Stop sending all Western weapons and military equipment to Ukraine.
Limiting the nuclear deterrence obligations of Britain and France and the refusal of these two countries to provide an umbrella of nuclear support to other European countries.
According to the New York Times, these requests were strongly opposed by European governments. Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, warned that accepting Russia's terms would pose a direct threat to his country's security.
This document constitutes Russia's initial position in the negotiations and does not mean an agreement between the parties. The report also indicates that Moscow has not ruled out the possibility of flexibility in some positions.
The proposal of these terms will take place on the eve of the planned meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin next week in the Chinese city of Shenzhen; A meeting where negotiations for the peace of Ukraine and the future of the European security structure will be one of the important axes./Jamran.