Russia Revives Demand That NATO Retrench to Secure Ukraine Deal
A demand revisited
Before its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Russia issued broad demands that included NATO withdrawing troops to positions from 1997. That was before the alliance expanded closer to Russia’s borders.
A paper setting out Moscow’s position was shared by Russian officials this week, according to a copy obtained from someone involved in the negotiations. Its contents indicate that Russia has renewed its earlier call for NATO to pull back.
European security enters talks
Russia wants NATO forces moved away from its eastern flank, including in Poland and the Baltic states. That request has made European security a central issue in negotiations focused on Ukraine.
The demands go beyond the terms of a possible Ukraine agreement and address Russia’s broader objections to NATO. Russian officials have maintained a hard-line stance in closed-door discussions about ending the war.
Putin’s stated conditions
President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said what he describes as the war’s “root causes” must be addressed before Russia stops fighting. He uses that phrase for Moscow’s wide-ranging complaints about both NATO and Ukraine.
The paper provides detail on the goals behind those public statements, according to the reporting. Russia’s position links any end to the fighting with changes it seeks in European security arrangements.
Key points
- Russia is seeking NATO troop withdrawals from its eastern flank, including Poland and the Baltic states.
- A Russian paper circulated this week calls for a return to NATO positions held in 1997.
- The demands have brought European security into negotiations over Ukraine.
- Putin says Russia’s grievances involving NATO and Ukraine must be addressed before it stops fighting.