Zakharova noted the importance of the topic of non-expansion of NATO during negotiations with the West

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow considers the key topic of NATO’s non-expansion in discussions with the West on security guarantees. Her words on Saturday, December 25, are quoted on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“It is precisely the non-expansion of NATO and the non-emergence of weapons systems that threaten our security at the Russian borders that are the main, key issues in the upcoming negotiations with the United States and NATO. Those who have not yet grasped the essence of the Russian position should be very clear about this for themselves, ”she said, commenting on statements that the topic of non-expansion of NATO will not be considered in the upcoming discussions of the Russian proposal on security guarantees.

On December 17, the Russian Foreign Ministry published draft agreements between Russia and the United States and NATO on security guarantees.

According to the agreement, NATO countries undertake to exclude Ukraine from joining the alliance and further expansion. The United States must commit to exclude further expansion of NATO to the east and refuse to admit the states that were formerly part of the USSR into the alliance.

The Alliance also refuses to conduct any military activity on the territory of Ukraine and other states of Eastern Europe, Transcaucasia and Central Asia.

Earlier, on December 16, Zakharova said that Russia in its proposals on security guarantees outlined NATO specific ideas aimed at preventing further escalation of the situation. Zakharova noted that the Russian Federation expects from the United States a response to the proposals and constructive work on the draft documents.

On December 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that after admission to NATO, weapons threatening Russia could be deployed in Ukraine.