US-Russia Talks Kick Off In Geneva, Both Sides Open to Dialogue

LOCAL NEWS

• US-Russia talks on Moscow’s draft agreements on security guarantees are set to continue today in Geneva lead by high-ranking officials on both sides.
  • After having dinner with US’ Sherman on Sunday, Ryabkov says the US needs to be prepared to make compromises. The US expect to organize a second round of talks shortly after these initial discussions
• On Saturday, US officials said they were willing to discuss non-deployment of US missiles in Ukraine and may reach an understanding if Russia is willing to make reciprocal commitments.
• US also notes an openness to discussing the future of certain missile systems in Europe along the lines of the INF Treaty, but threated harsh economic sanctions if Russia invaders Ukraine. Also said US will never agree to requests that limit countries’ ability to join or cooperate with NATO
• US officials say they are willing to discuss restrictions on the size and scope of military exercises including strategic bombers on a reciprocal basis.
  • However, US says it will not discuss or consider reducing the number of its troops in Eastern Europe
• Putin to take part in CTSO meeting on 10 Jan to discuss the situation in Kazakhstan and measures to normalize it. Kazakh forces, backed by Russian-led troops, are pressing ahead with operations to restore control this week following mass protests.
  • As of Sunday, Internet and messenger services remained largely blocked in Almaty, the country’s largest city. The central bank said that it plans to gradually resume financial operations starting Jan. 10, four days after suspending them amid a state of emergency and Internet blackout