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Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin opposed NATO’s expansion into the former Soviet Union because it was a matter of life and death for Russia. Photo/REUTERS
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that the recent hypersonic missile tests would train the mind as Russia puts forward proposals for a new and more inclusive European security.
Also read: Russia Withdraws 10,000 Troops After a Month of Siege of Ukraine
Speaking to Russia’s national television station on Sunday (12/26/2021), Peskov reiterated Moscow’s stance on NATO’s eastward expansion.
According to him, the potential entry of the former Soviet Union countries into the alliance led by the United States (US) remains completely unacceptable to Russia.
“NATO expansion into countries like Ukraine, maybe other countries that used to be in the Soviet Union… it’s actually a matter of life and death for us,” Peskov said, quoted by Reuters. Russia Today, Monday (12/27/2021).
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin put forward a proposal for a comprehensive security guarantee agreement between Russia and the West. The idea has materialized into two draft documents, one for the US and one for the NATO bloc as a whole.
Among other things, the proposed deal envisages an agreement to halt NATO’s eastward expansion.
Russia insists that any such agreement must be in written form that is legally binding. Because the promises made by the West not to push NATO eastward after the collapse of the Soviet Union have been violated.
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