Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia is ready to legally confirm, through a non-aggression agreement, that it has no intentions of attacking NATO and the European Union (EU). The information was released this Monday, December 22nd, by Reuters which quotes the minister’s statements to the Russian state news agency RIA.
Moscow’s position is known at a time when diplomatic efforts are continuing, involving the US and European leaders, in contacts with Ukrainian and Russian representatives, to put an end to the war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for almost four years.
Russia’s willingness to move towards a legal agreement that confirms that Moscow has no intention of attacking countries from the Atlantic Alliance and the EU comes after negotiations in recent days, in Brussels and the USA, in which, in addition to a peace plan, security guarantees for Kiev are also discussed.
“We certainly have no plans to attack EU and NATO countries. Russia does not pursue the aggressive goals that some say it does,” said Sergey Ryabkov, quoted by another Russian news agency, TASS. Russia “is even ready to legally enshrine this in relation to a possible solution to the current crisis, based on the principle of equal and indivisible security”, said the official, recalling statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin on this matter.
“The risks of a confrontation between Russia and NATO continue to be significant”, says Russian minister who blames European countries
This person responsible for Moscow’s diplomacy states, however, that “very few in Europe are willing to build such an architecture” together with Russia, which “does not generate optimism”, he says, blaming Europe for the risks of confrontation with NATO.
“It clearly demonstrates that, even with a more balanced policy towards Russia adopted by Washington, the risks of a confrontation between Russia and NATO continue to be significant due to the inadequate and hostile actions of European countries”, considered the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister.
Russia, remember, has shown itself to be irreducible in its position of being against a possible accession of Ukraine to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clarified last week that membership of the Atlantic Alliance is inscribed in the country’s Constitution and that he does not intend to change it at Russia’s request.
“I’m not going to change my Constitution – which is what the Ukrainians decided – just because that’s what Russia wants,” said Zelensky, at a press conference after meeting with European Union (EU) leaders in Brussels.
“We have NATO membership in the Constitution and we want it, these are true security guarantees”said the head of state of Ukraine, adding that the country’s desire to join the military alliance remains.