Russian President Vladimir Putin is demanding a reduction of NATO’s operations in Europe as a condition for ending the war in Ukraine, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Lavrov emphasized the need for “specific steps” to eliminate threats to Russia from the Western direction.
Lavrov cited Russia’s proposal for a “Greater Eurasian Partnership” with China, which aims to integrate various strategic initiatives under a common continental architecture of equal and indivisible security. He also reiterated demands that the United States and Western European allies scale back their military ties with Central and Eastern European countries that have joined NATO.
“We are ready for seeking a balance of interests,” Lavrov said. However, his remarks were met with scorn from Ukrainian and Western officials, who dismissed his call for multilateral cooperation as hypocrisy.
British Ambassador Barbara Woodward accused Russia of seeking to impose its own concept of world order, where might is right and powerful countries can bully and invade others with impunity. The US State Department rejected Lavrov’s demands, arguing that there is no military threat to Russia and that its concerns are an attempt to undermine democracy in the region.
Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong also criticized NATO, claiming that the alliance has a history of causing turmoil and chaos wherever it operates. He urged NATO countries to “conduct some soul-searching” and stop threatening common security.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis noted that the country’s close economic ties with China make it difficult for them to take a clear stance on the issue, citing the web of economic connections and China’s support for Russia’s defense industry.
Russian officials have previously made similar demands, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stating in December 2021 that NATO facilities and activities must be rolled back to 1997 levels. The proposed treaty would effectively shut down NATO’s eastern expansion and undermine the security of Central European countries.
It remains unclear whether China will back Russia’s initiative, given the close ties between Presidents Putin and Xi and China’s support for Russia’s defense industry.
