Since the end of February, Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) has been waging his bloody war in Ukraine. As a result, there has been largely radio silence between the West and the Kremlin in recent months.
In recent days, however, Putin has shown more and more willingness to talk – at least with the outside world. It was recently said that Putin could meet US President Joe Biden (79) in November, on the sidelines of the G20 summit. In mid-October, however, the Russian president backed down, saying he saw “no need” for such a meeting.
But now we can talk. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (72) said Russia is ready to negotiate – but only if the West “takes full consideration of Russia’s interests and the country’s security”. In addition, the West should “provide serious approaches” to “reduce tensions,” Lavrov told Russia’s state news agency RIA.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (55) also spoke of “possible talks” between Russia and the United States. The Americans should declare their willingness to “return to the situation in December and January”. If Russia is involved in these talks, Kiev should not have a “decisive vote”.
Biden and Putin are not allowed to meet
Earlier, Putin had also demanded that the Western defense alliance should not be allowed to expand further. In particular, no missile bases should be built near the border with Russia. In addition, NATO must stop its military activities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. NATO has already rejected these demands.
Both Biden and Putin are in Bali in November for the G20 meeting. According to the US daily “Politico”, US officials are currently working to ensure that Biden and Putin do not meet at the meeting. (see)