Russia wants immediate talks with the West to curb any potential eastward expansion of NATO
The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin has told the Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson, in a phone call, that Russia wants immediate talks with the West to curb any potential eastward expansion of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
The call comes amid rising tensions over the rapid deployment of Russian troops on Ukraine border. The West comprising of U.K., European Union (E.U.), United States (U.S.) and NATO have threatened Russia of sanctions if it invades Ukraine.
Johnson expressed concern about Russia’s alleged large-scale troop movements near the Ukrainian border. Putin provided in-depth and principled assessments of the current situation in Ukraine.
Putin told Johnson that Russia is against Ukraine’s potential membership of the Western military alliance. However, NATO has rejected this demand of Russia saying that NATO’s relationship with Ukraine is going to be decided by the 30 NATO allies and Ukraine and no one else.
Tweeting the details of the conversation, the official twitter handle of President of Russia tweeted,
Telephone conversation with British Prime Minister @BorisJohnson https://t.co/2VIBKNvS5W
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) December 13, 2021
Putin said that deployment of Russian troops is in response to the deployment of NATO troops and weapons near Ukraine border as it wants to prevent NATO’s expansion in the East. According to the U.S. Intelligence, Russia could be planning a multifront offensive on Ukraine early next year, involving up to 175,000 soldiers. Putin clearly denied these reports and said Russia has no plans to invade Kremlin.
Johnson reiterated the importance of working through diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions and identify durable solutions. He emphasised U.K.’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Johnson’s intervention comes after a 2-day meeting of the Ministers of G7 Members, where they warned Russia of sanctions, if it invades Ukraine.
Separately, the E.U. has imposed sanctions on Russia’s private military company Wagner, 8 other individuals and 3 companies associated with the group for helping Kremlin in destabilising Ukraine, Syria, Libya and several African countries. The sanctions include travel bans and freezing of assets.
The E.U. accused the Wagner Group, whose members are mostly former service personnel, of human rights abuses and said they carried out clandestine operations.
A Statement from E.U. read, “The Wagner Group is responsible for serious human rights abuses in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Mozambique.”
Russia has denied any wrongdoing. Putin has said the Wagner Group neither represented the Russian State nor was paid by the Russian State. He mentioned that private military contractors have the right to work and pursue their interests anywhere in the world as long as they do not break Russian law.
