NATO-Russia Relations
What concerns did Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio express after their talks?
Sergei Lavrov clearly articulated Russia's position that NATO expansion and its influence over Ukraine represent a direct threat to Russian sovereignty and national interests. This perspective has been repeatedly emphasized by President Putin as a fundamental security concern for Russia. Following these discussions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed European counterparts, with EU diplomat Kaya Kallas warning that the United States should avoid falling into Russian traps. Kallas specifically cautioned that Moscow's strategy aims to divide Western allies, suggesting the need for unified caution in diplomatic engagements with Russia.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)
WION
01:56 - 02:33
Why does Russia reject NATO peacekeepers in a potential Ukraine peace deal?
Russia rejects NATO peacekeepers because the Russian leadership views NATO expansion as a direct threat to Russian sovereignty. According to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, President Putin has repeatedly emphasized that NATO's expansion and potential takeover of Ukraine by the North Atlantic alliance poses a fundamental security risk to Russia. Following high-level talks with the US, Lavrov made it clear that Russia would not accept peacekeeping forces from NATO countries under any peace deal, reflecting the Kremlin's consistent position that NATO's presence near Russian borders constitutes a direct challenge to Russian national interests.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)WION
01:41 - 02:09
What is Trump's stance on European peacekeepers in Ukraine?
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed support for European peacekeepers in Ukraine, but with a key condition - if he can successfully broker a deal to end the war. This position comes amid a significant shift in US policy towards Russia that has caused alarm among European leaders. Trump also suggested he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the end of the month, indicating his active involvement in reshaping US-Russia relations. This diplomatic overture, combined with his openness to European peacekeeping forces, highlights Trump's approach to resolving the Ukraine conflict through direct negotiation rather than continued military support.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)WION
01:10 - 01:28