Washington offers Moscow 'serious diplomatic path forward' but says will defend 'core principles'

(Sharecast News) - Washington responded to Moscow's demands for written security guarantees and said that it was offering Russia a "serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it".

In a press briefing, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said that included in its reply were the concerns of the US, its allies and partners about Russia's actions that undermine security, a principled and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns that Russia itself had raised and American proposals of where it might be possible to find common ground.

However, Blinken stressed that there were "core" principles that the US would uphold and defend, even while leaving the door open to further talks.

He specifically cited Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of states to choose their own security arrangements and alliances as one of those principles.

"We've addressed the possibility of reciprocal transparency measures regarding force posture in Ukraine, as well as measures to increase confidence regarding military exercises and manoeuvres in Europe," he said.

"And we addressed other areas where we see potential for progress, including arms control related to missiles in Europe, our interest in a follow-on agreement to the new START treaty that covers all nuclear weapons and ways to increase transparency and stability.

"We put these ideas forward because they have the potential, if negotiated in good faith, to enhance our security and that of our allies and partners while also addressing Russia's stated concerns through reciprocal commitments.

"[...] We are open to dialogue, we prefer diplomacy and we are prepared to move forward where there is the possibility of communication and cooperation if Russia deescalates its aggression towards Ukraine, stops the inflammatory rhetoric and approaches discussions about the future of security in Europe in a spirit of reciprocity."

Washington's responses were fully coordinated with Ukraine and its allies, Blinken added.

He also explained that Washington would not release the document publicly "because diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks.

"We hope and expect that Russia will have the same view and will take our proposal seriously."

Blinken also said that he expected to speak with his opposite number in Russia, Sergei Lavrov, in the coming days once Moscow had time to read the papers and was ready to talk about next steps.

"There should be no doubt regarding about our seriousness of purpose when it comes to diplomacy and we're acting with equal focus and force to bolster Ukraine's defences."