US, Russia expected to hold talks on Jan 10 over Ukraine
American and Russian officials are expected hold talks on January 10 to discuss European security and simmering tensions over the Ukraine conflict, according to officials.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council made the announcement late Monday, on the condition of anonymity
The spokesman said Moscow and the NATO will hold talks on January 12, followed by meetings on January 13 with Moscow, Washington and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed those dates on Tuesday and hoped the talks with the Biden administration will give Moscow legally binding guarantees that the NATO will not expand further eastward.
Ryabkov emphasized the urgency of the issue and expected the talks to focus on Russian security demands. He told Russian news agency TASS that Moscow does not expect such an important and urgent issue to be resolved in a single day.
"January 10 will be the main day for bilateral Russian-American consultations, which we hope will transform into negotiations on our draft agreements," he was quoted as saying.
The January 10 meeting will be held as part of the Strategic Security Dialogue initiative launched in Geneva where Biden and Putin met at their June summit.
Ryabkov also revealed the Jan 12 meeting would be held in Brussels and the talks between Moscow and OSCE's Permanent Council will focus on the Ukraine conflict.
The talks come after weeks of rising tensions, where Washington accused Moscow of possible seizure of Ukrainian territory.
Putin has denied invading its neighboring country but has supported the Russian military in deploying thousands of troops on its borders, saying it is an act to defend Russia against an encroaching Western military.
The US and its European allies have promised to impose harsh economic sanctions if Russia attacks Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the US President Joe Biden signed a bill on Monday that will provide $300 million for supporting Ukraine’s armed forces.
Moscow wants a firm deal that new weapons will not be deployed to Ukraine and other neighboring countries.
The spokesperson for the White House's National Security Council, who declined to be identified said, ”When we sit down to talk, Russia can put its concerns on the table, and we will put our concerns on the table with Russia's activities as well.”
The spokesperson said no decisions would be made about Ukraine without Ukraine being involved.
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