Russia lays out demands for US and NATO’s behavior

Russia delivered a letter to NATO on Dec. 17 with a
set of demands including the specific requirement that NATO cease its involvement
in Ukraine’s affairs. The alliance would also have to stop all activities in
former Soviet republics. Furthermore, NATO would not be allowed to conduct
drills near Russia’s borders. Russian and alliance warcraft would not be
allowed to come within striking distance of each others’ borders.

Among the responses, U.S. National Security Advisor
Jake Sullivan stated that while Russia has a list of demands, the U.S. and its
allies have a list of demands as well, and that the two sides can negotiate
based on those lists, nytimes.com reported  on Dec. 17. NATO immediately
dismissed Russia’s demands as it would give Russia veto power over the
alliance.

James Hydzik: This essentially diplomatic escalation raised the war of words to new
heights, as we reported elsewhere today. However, whether the demands are
bluster or not is something that will be seen in January or February. For the
immediate future, more hot air can be expended, but the tanks are grounded by
mud. This does leave responses in other forms, especially digital, as options,
but all concerned seem transfixed on Russia’s demands.