US Secretary of State Blinken announced security contacts with Russia in early 2022
Anthony Blinken. Photo: Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the country's authorities plan to organize bilateral talks with Russia on security issues within the framework of NATO and the OSCE, RIA Novosti reported.
At a press conference, Blinken revealed the timing of negotiations with Russia – it is assumed that they will take place in early 2022. According to him, the countries agreed to conduct diplomatic work through various channels. This is not only the ongoing dialogue of strategic stability between Russia and the United States, but also the Russia-NATO Council; The OSCE, which includes the European allies of the United States, as well as Ukraine and Russia.
“I think you will see contacts on all these issues relatively early next year,” Blinken announced.
The US secretary of state added that it remains to be seen whether “diplomacy can make progress in overcoming differences.”
Earlier, US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried announced the country's readiness for a dialogue with Russia on security guarantees. She stressed that the States have seen Russian proposals and comments on security requirements.
On December 17, the Russian Foreign Ministry presented the country's draft agreements with NATO and the United States on security guarantees. The document states that the United States should not create military bases in the territories of the former Soviet Union countries that are not NATO members, and it should also stop expansion to the East.
