Lavrov on Ukraine: We are not asking for promises, but legally binding security guarantees

Russia will ask NATO to clarify whether it intends to implement key security guarantees, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday, after Moscow said the alliance’s response to its demands was not enough, according to Reuters.

Russia has forced the US-led defense alliance and the 57-member Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to negotiate regional security, bringing together about 100,000 troops near Ukraine, while denying any plans to invade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the United States and NATO had not heeded Moscow’s main demands for security in their confrontation with Ukraine, adding that he was ready to continue talks.

“Today, through the Foreign Ministry, we are sending a formal request to our colleagues in the Alliance and the OSCE, urging them to explain how they intend to implement their commitment not to enhance their security to the detriment of the security of others,” Lavrov told the State TV.

“If they do not intend to do so, then they will have to explain why. This will be a key question in determining our future proposals, which we will address to Russian President Vladimir Putin,” Lavrov said.

“Russia will seek from the West not just promises, but legally binding security guarantees,” which will ensure security throughout the European continent, with full, equal respect for Russia’s legitimate interests, “Lavrov said.

Russia has demanded that NATO withdraw its troops and weapons from Eastern Europe and exclude neighboring Ukraine, a former Soviet state, from joining. Washington and its NATO allies reject this position, but say they are ready to discuss other issues, such as arms control and confidence-building measures.