Security Proposal Unlikely To Find Favour With NATO States

The Russian gov't's proposal to NATO and its member states on both sides essential withdrawing to the boundaries of the old Soviet Union is unlikely to find much, if any, succor in Washington, D.C., Brussels, or Kyiv. For NATO, committing not to expand any further would be a tacit acceptance of obsolecence (even though neither Ukraine or Georgia could join at present due to ongoing territorial issues that show no sign of ending).

• Ben Lewis at SBS tweets a useful thread on Russia's proposal/warning to NATO:
  • "So Russia has listed its "proposals" for a NATO/Russia security agreement (i.e. what Putin wants for not invading Ukraine again). Kremlin wants Russia and NATO to pledge not to deploy missiles in areas from where they could hit each other's territory. Kremlin proposes NATO ends all military activity in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. Kremlin suggests Russia and US do not deploy nukes outside their own territories... and return nukes already outside their territories."
  • "According to Reuters, Russia's deputy foreign minister says no deadlines are being set for negotiations but wants talks to begin 'without delay'. 99% of this has been/will be rejected by NATO and member countries. US and EU of course accuse Russia of creating Ukraine crisis- and using it in an attempt to gain concessions. There's concern Russia would use rejection of its proposals as justification to invade Ukraine. Russia denies it is planning an invasion, says it can move its troops where it wants in its own territory."