Ukraine conflict: Washington announces talks with Moscow

For weeks the conflict between Russia and Ukraine went head-on – and thus with the West. But now there are signs of easing: according to the White House, talks with the government are planned in Moscow.

According to the White House, representatives of the United States and Russia plan to speak about the Ukraine conflict on January 10. The National Security Council announced in Washington that it looked forward to exchanges with Russia as part of the Strategic Security Dialogue. The Russian side should be able to present its concerns, the United States wanted to do the same in terms of “Russian activities”. Washington left further details about the talks open.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also confirmed the date, according to the Moscow State Agency Tass. Ryabkov said Moscow hopes the meeting will lead to negotiations on a draft agreement on security guarantees required by NATO for Russia.

“USA is our main negotiating partner”

Not long ago, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated in an interview with Kremlin news broadcaster Sputnik that security talks with the West could begin soon. “The United States is of course our main negotiating partner. And the most important dialogue we will have with the United States is shortly after the end of the New Year holidays.”

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine had worsened for the first weeks. Kiev and Western governments accuse Russia of being on the border with Ukraine to bring together thousands of soldiers, There were fears that the Russian army might attack the neighboring country. Moscow denied any plans to attack and, in turn, accused Ukraine of provocation.

looking for a diplomatic solution

Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again signaled his readiness to resolve new tensions in the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic channels. On Saturday, the Defense Ministry in Moscow announced that more than 10,000 soldiers would return to their bases after the exercise. It is not clear how many of them were on the border with Ukraine.

Russia wants to block the eastern expansion of NATO and prevent Ukraine from joining, which threatens the country. Putin demanded security guarantees for his country from NATO. The Western military alliance has so far shown no desire to adjust.

First NATO-Russia council in more than two years?

According to information received from Washington, Russia and NATO are now planning a meeting on January 12. This would mean that the NATO-Russia Council would meet again for the first time in two and a half years. Recently it was said that Moscow is still considering participation. According to the US government, there will also be a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe on January 13.

Washington insisted that talks with Moscow would not be decided on the head of the allies, including Ukraine. “There will be areas where we can make progress and areas where we will disagree,” the communication said.

US President Joe Biden signed a comprehensive budget bill that includes $300 million for an initiative to support the Ukrainian armed forces and billions for European defence.