"Russia Is Ready for Any Choice"
"Questioning the Reason for Not Accepting the Proposal... Considering Additional Measures"
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The United States announced that it has delivered a written response to Russia regarding the security guarantee demands previously sent by Russia in relation to the Ukraine conflict. Although neither side has disclosed the detailed contents of the response, Russia has expressed disappointment, further escalating military tensions. Representatives from both countries are scheduled to hold talks soon, but diplomatic breakthroughs are expected to become even more difficult.
On the 26th (local time), U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated at a press conference, "We have delivered a written response to Russia's security guarantee demands related to the Ukraine situation," adding, "It contains a principled and practical assessment of the concerns raised by Russia, and President Joe Biden was deeply involved in the drafting process of this document."
However, he mentioned, "This document reflects the positions the U.S. has publicly stated so far and does not change NATO's open-door policy," implying that it falls short of Russia's expectations. He continued, "The ball is now in Russia's court, and we are prepared regardless of which path Russia chooses." According to AFP, NATO also delivered its written response to Russia's security demands through the Russian ambassador stationed in Belgium on the same day.
Russia did not disclose the specific contents of the written response but did not hide its disappointment. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushchenko said at a press conference, "Although this has already been confirmed verbally, I want to ask why our proposals cannot be accepted," adding, "If the proposals are reviewed individually, there should be no reason to oppose them, and we emphasize this again. We will consider further measures in response to the West's reply."
Earlier, on the 15th of last month, Russia had sent two draft documents to the U.S.: a security guarantee treaty between Russia and the U.S., and an agreement on security measures between Russia and NATO member countries. These documents reportedly included provisions to halt NATO's eastward expansion by not admitting former Soviet states such as Ukraine as new members, and guarantees to prohibit the deployment of offensive weapons like medium- and short-range missiles and military exercises in Eastern European countries near Russia.
Following the receipt of the written responses, the U.S. and Russia are expected to hold follow-up talks within the next few days. However, since Russia has repeatedly warned in previous talks that serious consequences would follow if its demands are not met, diplomatic breakthroughs between the two sides are anticipated to become even more challenging.
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