Russia's demand to block NATO expansion tied to Ukraine peace conditions not on NATO agenda
Photo: NATO rejects Russia's demand to halt expansion (Getty Images)
NATO leadership is not currently discussing Russia's demand for written guarantees that the alliance will not expand eastward, informs Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Earlier, Reuters noted that this demand is part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's conditions for ending the war against Ukraine.
However, sources told Radio Free Europe that the issue of banning NATO expansion was not discussed in recent meetings or before. One source described the demand as more of an "academic discussion," reminding that NATO decisions are made by consensus.
Another diplomat said a written commitment would be difficult to implement. The right to join alliances is guaranteed by international treaties and agreements. These include the North Atlantic Treaty, the Helsinki Final Act, and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
The 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act was also mentioned. Despite its practical loss of validity, it remains a formal basis for certain principles, including respect for territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and the right to self-determination.
Russia's demands to Ukraine
On May 16, Ukraine and Russia held their first direct talks in three years. The Russian delegation presented unacceptable demands to end the war against Ukraine.
RBC-Ukraine sources reported that Russia demanded Ukraine adopt a neutral status, specifically referring to its NATO membership. Russia also called for Ukraine to effectively give up five regions, including territories that Russia does not control. They demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from these areas, renounce reparations, and agree to "protect the rights of Russian speakers."
Reuters also published a list of demands that Putin made to Ukraine to end the war. These included written guarantees that NATO would not expand eastward and the lifting of some sanctions.
