As part of the «new security architecture,» Moscow proposes withdrawing nuclear weapons and «Iskanders» from Belarus — information on talks in Abu Dhabi
In return, Russia wants the exclusion of Finland from the West, a ban on NATO bases in the Baltics, the dismemberment of Ukraine, and the federalization of Moldova.
Vladimir Putin and his advisor Vladimir Medinsky. Archive photo: January 27, 2024, Olga Maltseva/Pool Photo via AP
According to information from the well-informed German publication Bild, Russian representatives at the negotiations in Abu Dhabi presented the American, Ukrainian, and European sides with their vision of a «new European security architecture.»
Moscow proposes retaining the occupied territories of Ukraine and gaining the entirety of Donbas, including Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which are not yet occupied. In addition, the Russian plan stipulates a refusal to deploy NATO military bases in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as the expulsion of Finland from the alliance.
Furthermore, Ukraine must acquire a non-aligned status and commit not to join NATO, although its accession to the European Union is not ruled out. It is proposed to demilitarize the ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv so that Ukraine cannot use them as naval bases. Agreements on freedom of navigation in the Black and Baltic Seas are also envisioned.
Moscow's demands also affect Moldova. Russia proposes transforming it into a federal republic comprising Moldova itself, the autonomous region of Gagauzia within it, and the unrecognized Transnistria. In the event of the country joining the EU, Transnistria and Gagauzia must be given the opportunity to hold independence referendums.
In exchange, the Russian side proposes withdrawing nuclear weapons from Belarus and refraining from deploying intermediate-range missiles there — «Iskanders» and «Oreshniks.» In addition, Moscow is prepared to withdraw its troops from Transnistria.
Bild emphasizes that this is only one of the proposals being discussed in informal negotiating circles. Russia's negotiation tactics are such that its representatives create the impression that it remains unknown which of the plans Vladimir Putin actually supports.