Russia demands that NATO return to its 1997 borders and stop supporting Ukraine - NYT
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia is once again demanding that NATO withdraw its troops to the positions the alliance held in 1997. This is part of its broader demands to overhaul the entire European security architecture, according to The New York Times.
According to the outlet, during closed-door talks in Abu Dhabi this week, the Russians reiterated a position they had put forward in early 2022. The document, which was reviewed by the NYT and authenticated by two sources, is dated November 10 and outlines the Kremlin's conditions for the postwar order in Europe.
Among the key demands are that NATO abandon further expansion and halt all military activities in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
In addition, Moscow is demanding the withdrawal of troops and the dismantling of military bases in countries that joined NATO after 1997. In other words, it wants NATO to reduce its presence in Poland and the Baltic states.
New demand
According to the NYT, the document shows that over the past five years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has only hardened his position on certain issues.
In particular, in 2021, Moscow wanted NATO to abandon its nuclear-sharing arrangements, which have long allowed US allies in Europe to benefit from the protection of American nuclear weapons.
Now, an even tougher demand has emerged. According to the document, Russia also wants France and Britain to rule out the possibility of using their nuclear weapons to protect other European countries.
According to the NYT, Russian negotiators made it clear that the Cold War model of dividing Europe into Soviet and US spheres of influence serves as an example of the future order, arguing that such an arrangement reduced the risk of conflict at the time.
Ending aid to Ukraine
Another provision in the document seeks to cut off aid to Ukraine. It calls for an end to the "supply of any type of Western weapons and military equipment and products to Ukraine."
It also states that Russia would approve Ukraine's accession to the EU, but only if the country does not participate in the bloc's common defense policy.
Are the demands final?
The NYT clarifies that the document represents the Kremlin's initial position. During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, the Russians indicated that Putin could still show flexibility and was open to making concessions.
Meanwhile, Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner told the Russians that much had changed since December 2021, when Moscow demanded a new agreement that would put an end to most NATO military activities across much of Eastern and Central Europe.
According to a US official, the US delegation urged the Russians to look to the future. Trump's envoys also remain open to new proposals from the Kremlin that would include concrete steps by Russia to reduce tensions.
What else is important to know
Yesterday, the German outlet Bild also revealed a similar report, stating that Russia was demanding Finland's withdrawal from NATO and that the alliance refrain from establishing bases in the Baltic states as conditions for ending the war in Ukraine. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the report and claimed that no such conditions had been put forward.
A day earlier, he publicly indicated that Russia wants NATO to formally document its position on not expanding eastward.
