Negotiations between the heads of the diplomatic departments of Russia and the United States, Sergei Lavrov and Anthony Blinken, began in Geneva. The parties will discuss the structure of security in Europe. The meeting is expected to last approximately one and a half hours. After the heads of the delegations will come out to the journalists: first Sergey Lavrov, then Anthony Blinken.
At the beginning of the meeting, Sergei Lavrov addressed Anthony Blinken: “When you called me on the phone and offered to meet so that you could clarify our concerns more clearly, we considered this a useful idea, since we hope that the meeting will help you prepare concrete answers to all our proposals and make your counter-proposals, if you have any.”
Mr. Lavrov recalled the Secretary of State’s recent comment that the US does not expect a breakthrough from this meeting. “We also do not expect a breakthrough from this meeting, we are waiting for answers to our proposals,” Mr. Lavrov said. “The proposals are extremely specific. We expect the same concrete answers in line with and in full compliance with the commitments that were taken at the highest level within the OSCE on the problems of the indivisibility of security. So that no country strengthens its security at the expense of the security of any other country. It will be very interesting for me to hear how the US interprets these commitments.”
The Secretary of State called the current moment “critical.” “You are right, we do not expect results here and now, but I hope, I expect that the possibilities of diplomacy will remain open. We are committed to this path: the peaceful resolution of existing contradictions,” he said, answering Sergei Lavrov. “We are committed to diplomacy and dialogue, but if Russia decides to commit an act of aggression against Ukraine, we are ready for a unified, quick and tough response.”
In December, Russia presented the United States with a list of requirements for security guarantees in Europe. Among the main points: refusal to include Ukraine and other countries of the former USSR in NATO; not to carry out any military operations in Ukraine. On January 10, 12 and 13, delegates from Russia discussed these demands with US, NATO and OSCE representatives. Now the Russian Federation is waiting for written answers to its proposals.