Moscow has again demanded written assurances from NATO's leadership to deny further expansion to the east. At the same time, Russian leader Vladimir Putin expressed hope for the Alliance's “positive response” to Russia's demands.
Corresponding list containing specific suggestions, was handed over on December 15 to US State Department employee Karen Donfried, who oversees European and Eurasian affairs. This was announced by an adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov. According to him, the Russian president hopes for a positive reaction from the West to Moscow's proposals.
As DW explains, the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Ryabkov, has already discussed this issue with Donfried. The issue of raising guarantees of further NATO enlargement was also raised in Moscow.
Israeli diplomat and political scientist Yakov Kedmi again said that he did not rule out that the Russian side would be decisive. military action if NATO continues to expand to the east. In particular, the political scientist did not rule out strikes on NATO bases if the Kremlin's interests were ignored.