The first in the line of conversations between Russia and the US were “professional and deep”, but the main issues remain unresolved as the two countries attempt to defuse tensions over a Russian military build-up on the border with Ukraine, the head of the Russian delegation in Geneva said on Monday, Euronews reports.
Senior US and Russian officials launched the critical talks on rising tensions on Monday as part of their “Strategic Security Dialogue” on arms control and other broad issues kickstarted by presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin during a June 2021 summit in the Swiss city.
The conversation, which lasted for more than seven hours, “was difficult, long [but] concrete, without any attempts to embellish anything,” Ryabkov said.
“We got the impression that the American side took the Russian proposals very seriously."
The Russian delegation was led by Ryabkov and deputy defense minister Alexander Fomin, while the US were represented by deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman and her team.
As expected, the main focus of the conversation was about the crisis over the build-up.
yabkov reiterated the Russian demands remain unchanged following the meeting in Geneva.
“I don’t think you expect me saying otherwise than to confirm that this is one of the areas where we have a great difference of views with the US,” he told the gathered reporters.
“For us, it’s absolutely mandatory to make sure that Ukraine never - never ever - becomes a member of NATO,” Ryabkov insisted.
He also said that the Kremlin does not trust their counterparts in the West and that the government in Moscow requires a firm commitment.
“We are fed up with loose talk, half-promises, misinterpretation, different forms of negotiations behind close doors,” he went on.
“We need ironclad, waterproof, legally binding guarantees - not assurances, guarantees.”
Ryabkov further insisted that any NATO expansion towards Russia would not benefit the “countries West of Russia.”
