Russia again demanded that NATO withdraw forces to the 1997 borders as part of the negotiations on Ukraine. The New York Times.
Moscow presented to the American negotiators a document with conditions for resolving the war in Ukraine, which provide wide-ranging changes in the European security system.
According to the publication, Russian representatives handed over the November 10 document during closed negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Its authenticity has been confirmed by two sources familiar with the discussions.
Russia demands the withdrawal of NATO troops and military bases from territories to which the alliance expanded after 1997. This will mainly affect Poland and the Baltic states.
In addition, Moscow insists that NATO renounce further expansion and any military activity in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
The document also stipulates the cessation of supplies to Ukraine of any type of Western weapons and military equipment.
Russia is ready to agree to Ukraine joining the European Union only on the condition that Kiev does not participate in the common defense policy of the European Union.
A separate demand was the refusal of Britain and France to use their nuclear arsenals to defend other European countries.
As the New York Times points out, Russian proposals essentially repeat Moscow's demands made in December 2021 before the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
At the same time, Russian representatives clarified that Vladimir Putin can show flexibility during further negotiations.
American special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner called on the Russian side to take into account the changes that have taken place since 2021 and propose concrete measures to reduce tensions.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has already rejected the Russian terms.
"Accepting Russia's terms means a direct threat to Poland's security," he said.
According to the publication, the discussion of these demands takes place on the eve of the planned meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in China.