Some of Russia’s proposals on security guarantees clearly cannot be accepted by Washington, but there are also points on which it makes sense to conduct a dialogue. This was stated by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at a briefing on Tuesday, December 21.
“There are some very obvious impassable elements in what the Russians put on the table (for discussion – Ed.). But there may be other issues that are appropriate to discuss. Just as there is what we put on the table (negotiations – Ed.), to which Russia needs to respond, “said the head of the State Department.
Blinken said the US-Russia dialogue on security proposals could begin early next year, with Washington ready for diplomatic engagement through various channels, including bilateral contacts, the NATO-Russia Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE ). However, there are no plans to hold a new meeting between US and Russian Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, he said.
All claims of the US and Europe will also end up on the negotiating table
At the same time, Blinken warned that the talks should be not only about the proposals of the Russian Federation, but also about the actions of Moscow, causing concern to the United States and its allies. “Russia has made statements and published documents that it has claims, demands, concerns. The United States and all our European partners have them regarding Russia’s actions. All this will be discussed,” he said, adding that ” it will be much preferable “if it is possible to move towards the goal by diplomatic means.
The US President “has been very clear for many years that there are some fundamental principles, according to which no one will back down,” said the head of the State Department. “No country has the right to change the borders of another by force, no country has the right to dictate policy to another or indicate to it with whom to keep in touch, no country can establish spheres of influence. This concept should go to the dustbin of history. And these principles are inviolable. “, Blinken said.
Russia demands to exclude Ukraine from joining NATO
Last week, Russia demanded to rule out Ukraine’s accession to NATO and suggested that the alliance abandon military activities in countries neighboring Russia. The Foreign Ministry included the relevant provisions in the draft security treaty, which was sent to Washington. 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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