Russia is ready to negotiate with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on measures to build mutual trust.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this on Tuesday after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. According to Putin, Russia does not want a war and has therefore submitted security proposals regarding the situation in Europe. TASR informs about this on the basis of reports from AP and RIA Novosti agencies.
“I repeat, the responses we have received from the United States and other NATO members to the security assurance proposals do not, in our view, cover the three key Russian requirements … however, there are some considerations in them that we are not only ready to negotiate, but in fact have already offered to our partners in previous years. ” said Putin.
He also clarified that these were issues related to European security and certain weapons systems. “We mean medium- and short-range missiles and military transparency,” said the Russian president.
The German chancellor said he agreed that “diplomatic options are far from exhausted,” and welcomed Russia’s statement on Tuesday that some of its troops were withdrawing from areas near the Ukrainian border.
“It’s a good sign anyway. We hope more will follow.” Scholz said Russia was an important part of maintaining security in Europe. “It is clear to Europeans that lasting security … can only be achieved with Russia,” declared Scholz.
According to Scholz, NATO is also not currently planning to expand, so current governments should not address this issue now. “Enlargement is not planned, it is not being discussed, it is not on the agenda. We do not have to address this topic while we are in our posts.” Scholz said at a joint press conference with Putin.