Moscow has received an offer from the North Atlantic Alliance to hold a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) at the level of ambassadors in January and is considering it. The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Maria Zakharova said this during a briefing on Friday, December 24.
“We have received such a proposal. I can confirm this,” Zakharova stressed, adding that the initiative is being studied “in practical terms.” “We confirm our readiness for a direct dialogue with NATO on the Russian project on agreements on the guarantee of Russia’s security,” she said.
According to Zakharova, the format, modalities and timing of a possible meeting have yet to be determined. “But we, as I said, are open to dialogue,” she summed up.
NATO Secretary General insisted on meeting of the NRC
Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance Jens Stoltenberg said on December 21 that to discuss the tense situation on the border of Ukraine with Russia, he would like to convene a meeting of the People’s Republic of China early next year. Prior to that, negotiations in this format took place in July 2019. Since then, all attempts to set a new date have failed, in particular, since the Kremlin refused to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine at the council level, experts noted.
Borrell: NATO plays a key role in bringing peace to Europe
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stressed on December 22 that he considers the proposal of the North Atlantic Alliance to hold a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in response to the promulgation of two draft agreements “affecting the architecture of European security” by the Russian Federation. The documents are addressed respectively to the United States and the members of the North Atlantic Alliance. “NATO plays a key role in ensuring peace in Europe,” Borrell said in this regard.
Russia demanded to exclude Ukraine from joining NATO
Last week, Russia demanded to exclude Ukraine from joining NATO and offered the alliance to abandon military operations in countries neighboring Russia. The Foreign Ministry included the relevant provisions in the draft security treaties, which were sent to Washington and NATO member countries. The United States stated that a dialogue with Moscow on security guarantees is possible only under conditions of de-escalation at the borders of Ukraine and in coordination with European allies and partners.
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