Russia presented a non-paper document with a list of demands

Russia submitted the document

"NYT" describes the document submitted by the Russians, the so-called non-paper, in which she unofficially presented her demands for a post-war "security architecture" in Europe. Many of Russia's demands overlapped with what the Kremlin demanded before a full-scale attack on Ukraine.

This includes: for the withdrawal of NATO troops and bases to the borders of the alliance from 1997, i.e. before the accession of Poland and other countries in the region.

Russian negotiators demanded that NATO rule out further expansion of the alliance as well as "any military activity" in Ukraine and other parts of "Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia."

Limit aid to Ukraine

Russia also wants France and Britain to rule out the possibility of using their nuclear weapons to protect other European countries. "NYT" reminds that talks on strengthening the British and French nuclear umbrella have intensified in recent months in the face of doubts about the US guarantee.

The document also seeks to limit aid to Ukraine, demanding an end to "supplies of any type of Western weapons, military equipment and products to Ukraine." Russia would approve Ukraine's accession to the European Union only if Ukraine does not participate in the EU's common defense policy.

Division into zones of influence?

As Russian officials told the daily, the document is the Kremlin's starting point in negotiations, and Putin may agree to concessions.

However, the Russians were to argue in Abu Dhabi that the system in which Europe was divided into separate spheres of influence of the USA and the USSR was more stable and safer.

In response, American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly said that a lot has changed since December 2021. The Americans also called on Russians to look to the future. Trump officials, the official said, are open to new proposals from Moscow that would include specific steps by Russia to reduce tensions.