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US Secretary of State Blinken: "There are core principles"
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP
In the Ukraine conflict, NATO and the US government have again rejected the Russian demand for commitments to end NATO's eastward expansion.
In response to Russia's proposals for new security arrangements, it was made clear "that there are core principles that we are committed to upholding and defending," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Washington on Wednesday.
These included Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of states to choose their alliances.
Blinken again warned Moscow of "massive consequences" in the event of an invasion of Ukraine.
Blinken also confirmed that work is being done to increase Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The US Secretary of State emphasized that all 30 NATO countries make decisions about an expansion together, not his country alone.
"But from our point of view, I can't be clearer: NATO's door is open and will remain open." There are other areas in which you can negotiate with Russia - for example, stationing offensive missile systems in Ukraine, maneuvers in Europe or arms control measures.
Blinken said the US letter to Russia sets out clear principles to which it is committed.
It also raised concerns about Russian actions that do not only affect Ukraine.
In addition, the concerns of Russia are addressed.
We are ready for confidence-building measures and dialogue.
The ball is now in the playing field of the Russians.
NATO's proposals are part of a written response to Russia's proposal for new security arrangements.
In particular, the country demanded that NATO rule out the admission of countries like Ukraine and initiate the withdrawal of armed forces from eastern alliance states.
The documents were not published.
Blinken said he expects to talk to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about it in the coming days.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: All states decide for themselves on their way
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also defended the content of the letter.
"We are ready to listen to Russia's concerns and to have a real discussion on how to preserve and strengthen the fundamental principles of European security," he said in Brussels on Wednesday evening.
But this also includes the right of all states to decide for themselves on their way.
According to Stoltenberg, NATO is proposing to the Russian government that the representations in Moscow and Brussels, which were closed after a dispute over espionage, be reopened.
In addition, they want to make full use of the existing military communication channels to promote transparency and reduce risks.
As a first step, this could be mutual briefings on maneuvers and nuclear policy in the NATO-Russia Council.
Then the Vienna Document on military transparency should also be modernized.
Russia acknowledges receipt of letter
Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has confirmed receipt of the NATO letter.
"We read.
To study.
The partners of our project studied our project for almost a month and a half,” Grushko said.
Sol/dpa/Reuters
