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Jen Psaki, White House spokeswoman
Photo: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / REUTERS
Russia is gathering troops on the border with Ukraine, Western states threaten with massive consequences in the event of an attack: The relationship between Moscow and the West is worse than it has been in a long time.
The Kremlin recently also presented a far-reaching draft for a hoped-for agreement on security guarantees in Europe;
the conditions are unlikely to be acceptable to the other side.
Now the US government would like to seek the conversation again. They want to contact Russia next week to find an appointment for joint consultations. In the meantime, however, the US is still exchanging ideas with its European partners on Moscow's demands. "I would like to note that there will be no European security talks without our European allies and partners," said White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
The basic principles on which European security is based will not be compromised. This also applies to the fact that all countries have the right to determine their own future and foreign policy without outside interference, said Psaki. For decades it had been possible to negotiate strategic issues with Russia. There is no reason why this will not be possible in the future. "But we will do this in partnership and coordination with our European allies and partners."
According to the text with nine individual articles published by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday, the NATO states should also undertake to refrain from military action in the territory of Ukraine and other states in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and in Central Asia.
Russia is also directly calling for Ukraine to renounce NATO membership.
Russia had already discussed the proposals in the past few days with representatives of Western countries, including the USA.
Putin recently had a video switch with US President Joe Biden.
In addition, the Kremlin chief informed French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about Moscow's demands.
NATO is also ready to talk in the dispute with Russia.
The latest proposals from Russia for an agreement with the West on security guarantees have been received, confirmed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The Allies have made it clear that they are ready to work on strengthening confidence-building measures if Russia takes concrete steps to reduce tensions.
"It is clear to us that any dialogue with Russia must also address NATO's concerns about Russia's actions," said Stoltenberg.
In addition, it must be based on the basic principles and documents of European security and take place in consultation with the European NATO partners.
mfh / dpa