A discussion to calm things down. The United States says it is ready to discuss with Russia missile devices and military exercises of the two countries, a senior White House official said on Saturday. American and Russian diplomats will meet in Switzerland from Sunday to try to defuse tensions around Ukraine, while the United States and the Europeans accuse Moscow of preparing a new invasion of the country.
“There are some areas (…) in which we think it might be possible to make progress”, provided that any promise is “reciprocal”, recalled this source.
“We approach these discussions with realism, not with optimism”
“Russia has said it feels threatened by the prospect of positioning offensive missile systems in Ukraine. (…) The United States has no intention of doing this. This is an area where we could find an agreement if Russia agrees to make a reciprocal commitment, ”said the senior official, who requested anonymity. Moscow “has also expressed its interest in discussing the future of certain missile systems in Europe, according to the principles of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty” and “we are open to a discussion” on this subject, the official said. senior official.
Finally, Washington is ready to discuss “the possibility of reciprocal restrictions on the size and scope” of military exercises conducted by Russia as well as by the United States and NATO, the source said. “We will not know until we start these conversations tomorrow evening whether Russia is prepared to discuss seriously and in good faith,” he warned. “We are approaching these discussions with realism, not with optimism,” the source added, indicating that they would be “exploratory” and would not lead to firm promises.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Russian media would start to report, perhaps even while the talks are taking place, that the United States has made all kinds of concessions to Russia. This is a deliberate attempt to create divisions among allies, in part by manipulating you, ”he told reporters on his conference call.