The talks between NATO and Russia about the tension over Ukraine have been difficult, according to NATO chief executive Stoltenberg, but the meeting was also useful. “There are major differences between NATO allies and Russia and they are difficult to bridge,” he said after the meeting. According to him, it was already a gain that both parties were at the negotiating table.
According to Stoltenberg, NATO and Russia have agreed to discuss military tensions over Ukraine more often. But Russia was not prepared to link concrete data to this, NATO’s secretary general said at a press conference. He said the new negotiations could also cover other topics, such as reducing the number of medium-range missiles in Europe.
Stoltenberg described today’s meeting in Brussels as an open discussion on a wide range of topics. No announcements have been made from Russia about the outcome of the conversation.
Russian Forces
Russia has stationed some 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine and NATO wants them to withdraw. Russia’s aim is for NATO to withdraw from all countries that fell under the Russian sphere of influence during the Cold War. The Russians also demand a guarantee that Ukraine will never join NATO.
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