European security: the outcome of talks with Russia

In mid-January 2022 the US, NATO, the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Russia held a series of talks on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and European security more broadly.

Although prompted by diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine, where 100,000 Russian troops have amassed at the border, the main focus of talks was primarily on the relationship between Russia and the US/NATO and Russia’s demands for legally binding security guarantees within Europe and its near abroad.

No breakthroughs were achieved. The US and NATO offered further dialogue on several areas of potential cooperation but would not concede to Russian demands to limit its presence in eastern Europe and limit NATO enlargement, which Russia has described as a red line for its national security.

Russia was non-committal on the prospect of future security talks or on de-escalating tensions on the Ukrainian border. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov has said the Kremlin is awaiting written counterproposals from the US and NATO, which will inform Moscow’s decision making. All eyes are now on President Putin and the Kremlin’s next steps.