NATO Is At The Heart Of Most Sensitive Concerns
December 8, 2021–In a virtual meeting held Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the rocky relationship between the two countries as well as other sensitive and strategic issues.
Speaking with reporters today, Biden said U.S.-Russian teams are in “constant contact” to bring “down the temperature along the eastern front.” Talks are likely to continue, Biden said, to address Russia’s concern regarding the NATO alliance’s expansionary aims.
Ukraine, NATO & Russia
Ukraine — a country located between Europe and Russia and divided between the East and West — is at the center of attention. In recent weeks, Russia amassed troops along the Russian-Ukrainian border. Biden said he made clear the United States would impose “severe” economic consequences against Russia if it invaded Ukraine.
In response, Putin said he “warned against shifting the responsibility on Russia, since it was NATO that was undertaking dangerous attempts to gain a foothold on Ukrainian territory, and building up its military capabilities along the Russian border.”
Biden ruled out military involvement, saying the United States would not act unilaterally there.
However, NATO is increasing its influence in the region. “Georgia and Ukraine are long-standing and close NATO partners,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Dec. 2 at a press briefing. Stolenberg said the countries are “contributing to our missions and operations and aspiring for membership.” In return, the NATO alliance is building up the countries by training their militaries, sharing information, and providing maritime support.
Russia sees that as a threat to its sovereignty.
Beyond Economic Sanctions
Russia has fared well under sanctions the United States and the European Union put in place in 2014 after it annexed Crimea. The GER noted in 2018 that Russia used methods such as import-substitution to insulate itself from the Western sanctions. Since then, it has invested in Africa, strengthened ties with Belarus and other former Soviet states, exported natural gas, and strengthened relations with China and other countries.
New sanctions would likely be stronger. Beyond those, Biden said the United States “would probably also be required to reinforce our — our presence in NATO countries to reassure particularly those on the eastern front.” Furthermore, the U.S. government is providing “defensive capabilities” to the Ukrainians.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress is advancing legislaiton (S. 1605) that includes an extension of U.S. security assistance for Ukraine. That assistance is most likely what Biden was referencing.
The 2015 Minsk Agreement
For Russia’s part, its leaders are hoping for a newfound respect for the 2015 Minsk Agreement.
“Peaceful settlement can only be achieved through straight, unequivocal implementation of the Minsk agreements,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a Dec. 7 press conference. “Everything is written in these agreements and translated into UN languages. I am confident that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is familiar with this document although he is trying to interpret it in an unacceptable manner that contradicts the text.”
Worsening NATO-Russian Relations
The talks to defuse tensions comes at a time when the geopolitical risks are high.
In October, Russia severed its ties with NATO, saying the Western alliance had excluded its mission from participating and accused its diplomats of spying.
Diplomacy and Dialogue
Both leaders promised to continue diplomacy and dialogue.
Putin said “the conversation took place in a sincere and business-like atmosphere.” Biden, meanwhile, said it was “polite.” Furthermore, diplomatic talks could continue and involve more countries, particularly NATO members.
Other topics of conversation included cybersecurity and Vienna talks to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program, according to the Russia’s press office.
Russia-India Strategic Partnership
Earlier in the week, Putin signed a series of documents with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi… They included cooperation agreements on cyber security, technology protection and space, education
Furthermore, the leaders signed a joint statement on their strategic partnership. It highlighted the multiple diplomatic conversations and meetings the two countries held over the past year. Also, it mentioned improvements in bilateral relations, including an increase in trade of 38 percent since 2020.
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