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Following negotiations with Russia on security guarantees, it has become clear that the unity of Western countries may not really be that strong. As the Wall Street Journal notes, while the United States and its allies are publicly united in rejecting Russia's demands to exclude NATO enlargement, behind the scenes some allies, especially those close to Russia, have expressed concern about several ideas expressed by officials during the talks. The diplomats of the North Atlantic Alliance said that.
We are talking mainly about a proposal to reduce the scope of military exercises. Representatives of some European countries therefore asked the US to clarify this proposal further. They are also asking for an explanation for the US proposal to renew restrictions on medium-range missiles.
At the same time, US and NATO representatives said that they had not yet submitted such specific proposals. but simply expressed ideas about positions that could be negotiated.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reassured and noted that there would be much more consultation among the Allies than any proposals or agreements would be made.
“If something turns into concrete proposals and even more so into concrete agreements, then it will be discussed in detail with the Allies,” he said in an interview.
At the same time, some allies fear that NATO, which has rejected Russia's main demands, may make some concessions so as not to anger Moscow completely.