Russian force build-up along the border with Ukraine has created unrest in the West. Last week, US President Joe Biden warned Putin of serious consequences if Russia attacks Ukraine.
Putin has denied that Russia has such plans, but asked in a telephone conversation with Johnson on Monday for guarantees that Ukraine will not become part of NATO.
“It is a direct threat to Russia’s security,” Putin said in the conversation.
Putin stressed the need for immediate negotiations on binding agreements that preclude NATO from expanding eastward. Russia also demands that no NATO weapons be deployed in neighboring countries, especially in Ukraine.
Johnson, for his part, repeated the Western warnings. He said he was very concerned about the build-up of forces and stressed the need for a diplomatic solution.
(©NTB)
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