Ukraine Talks: Russia's Demands

Russia has outlined its demands for security talks with the United States, insisting on legally binding guarantees that NATO will cease its eastward expansion and will never admit Ukraine. The proposals, formally submitted to Washington, are intended to de-escalate tensions around Ukraine, where Russia has amassed troops, prompting fears of a potential invasion. Moscow demands that NATO rescind its 2008 Bucharest summit declaration that Ukraine and Georgia would eventually become members. They also seek a commitment that NATO will not conduct military activities in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia. Essentially, Russia wants to roll back NATO's presence in the region to its 1997 borders, before many Eastern European nations joined the alliance. The United States has acknowledged receiving the proposals and is preparing to respond. While the US is willing to engage in dialogue, it maintains that any negotiations must be based on reciprocity and address concerns about Russia's own actions. The US has affirmed its commitment to the "open door" policy regarding NATO membership, emphasizing that each country has the right to choose its own security arrangements. The prospect of meeting these Russian demands is seen as highly unlikely given the established principles of NATO and the sovereignty of nations to determine their own alliances. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-lays-demands-talks-us-001214694.html