US not to talk with Russia on European security without allies
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As tensions escalate between Moscow and Kiev, the United States hinders a Russian proposal to simmer down tensions to "talk with allies."
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White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, US, October 6, 2021 (Reuters)
The United States pushed back Friday at Russia's proposals to negotiate security arrangements with the US and its NATO allies amid rising tensions between Moscow and Kiev.
"There will be no talks on European security without our European allies and partners," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.
The secretary spoke hours after Moscow published security proposals addressed to NATO and Washington, calling for urgent talks with the latter.
The United States had "seen the Russian proposals" and was discussing them with its European allies, Psaki asserted.
"We've managed to engage Russia over strategic concerns for decades," she said. "There's no reason we can't do that moving forward to reduce instability, but we're going to do that in partnership and coordination with our European allies and partners."
"We will not compromise the key principles on which European security is built, including that all countries have the right to decide their own future and foreign policy free from outside interference."
The proposals, which Russia says are vital for its security, would obligate the US and its allies to suspend NATO's eastward expansion to include other ex-Soviet countries and to renege on a 2008 pledge to admit Ukraine and Georgia.
The Russian foreign ministry said it was ready to hold talks with the United States "as early as Saturday."
In an interview with Al Mayadeen, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stressed that Moscow prefers to be optimistic about the draft, hoping that the other side would accept the search for solutions. He added that the US has set conditions related to Ukraine to reduce the escalation, but they are unacceptable.
The publication of the draft agreements comes as the West repeatedly accuses Moscow of a troop buildup on the border with Ukraine and preparing for a military invasion - accusations Russia has long been denying.
The West had previously threatened Russia with "heavy sanctions," but President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy; however, it has the right to defend its security.
