Russia sends reply to U.S. over security guarantees

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia sent a reply to the United States on the issue of security guarantees on Thursday, February 17, according to a document published online.

According to Moscow, the American side did not give a constructive response to the basic elements of the draft treaty with the United States prepared by Russia on security guarantees, in particular, the refusal of the entry of Ukraine and Georgia into NATO and the refusal to create military bases in the post-Soviet space.

“In the absence of readiness from the American side to agree on firm, legally binding guarantees to ensure our security from the United States and its allies, Russia will be forced to respond, including through the implementation of measures of a military-technical nature”, the Foreign Ministry said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry described reports of an invasion of Ukraine as "attempts to pressure and devalue Russia's proposals for security guarantees".

John Sullivan, the United States ambassador to Moscow, visited the foreign ministry building earlier and left shortly afterwards without talking to the press.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Moscow on Tuesday that he is “ready to work” with the West on de-escalating tensions, the latest signal that the prospect of war with Ukraine could be receding.

The first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders since Scholz took office lasted slightly over three hours and received high marks from both leaders. Putin noted its businesslike atmosphere, while Scholz said not a single subject was omitted by them.