Brussels insists on the right to vote in negotiations with Russia on security issues in Europe. The EU will work with both the US and NATO to “ensure that its interests are represented” in any possible dialogue with Russia on this issue. This is stated in the statement of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, published on Wednesday, December 22.
His comment followed in connection with the promulgation of two draft treaties by Russia “affecting the architecture of European security.” They are addressed respectively to the United States and the members of the North Atlantic Alliance.
“Any real discussion on security issues in Europe should be based on the commitments and responsibilities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the UN – the true pillars of the European security architecture – and strengthen them, not lead to their erosion,” the head of diplomacy believes EU. “Such a discussion should be inclusive and take into account the concerns and interests of all stakeholders,” Borrell added.
“Europe’s security is under threat”
According to him, the EU, together with its partners and allies, made it clear that it would “react decisively to any further violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty.” At the same time, Brussels is convinced that “dialogue, negotiations and cooperation are the only means of overcoming disputes and establishing peace,” the politician added.
At the same time, Josep Borrell admitted that “the security of Europe is under threat.” According to him, “Russia’s military build-up on the borders with Ukraine and in the illegally annexed Crimea has created new threats and fears of invasion.”
Borrell: Proposal for a NATO-Russia Council meeting is an important step
The EU High Representative added 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 the relevant documents by the Russian Federation as an “important step”. “NATO plays a key role in ensuring peace in Europe,” Borrell said.
Pulling Russian troops to the Ukrainian border
In October, reports began to arrive about the pulling together of Russian troops to the border with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that up to 100,000 Russian troops were stationed near the borders of his country. US Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland suggested that Russia could invade Ukraine in early 2022. The United States and other Western countries have threatened the Russian Federation with the toughest sanctions in case of such a scenario.
Moscow constantly denies information about the impending invasion of Ukraine and, for its part, accuses NATO of arming Kiev and conducting maneuvers near the borders of Russia. For example, on December 21, the Russian president blamed the United States for escalating tensions in Europe.
On December 21, Vladimir Putin discussed the crisis over Ukraine with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Russia demanded to exclude Ukraine from joining NATO
Last week, Russia demanded to exclude Ukraine from joining NATO and suggested that the alliance abandon military operations 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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