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18-02-2025, 10:33 PM
Ukraine War Live: Saudis host US-Russia peace talks without Ukraine, Moscow hardens demands and Putin doesn't want NATO troops in Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said NATO membership for Ukraine was unacceptable as was the appearance of NATO member troops - even if they were operating there under a different flag.
"We explained to our colleagues today what President Putin has repeatedly stressed: that the expansion of NATO, the absorption of Ukraine by the North Atlantic alliance, is a direct threat to the interests of the Russian Federation, a direct threat to our sovereignty," Lavrov said. "We explained today that the appearance of armed forces from the same NATO countries, but under a false flag, under the flag of the European Union or under national flags, does not change anything in this regard. Of course, this is unacceptable to us."
Summary
U.S. and Russia talks end after 4.5 hours
U.S. and Russia to appoint teams on Ukraine, plan to normalize relations
Rubio says solution must work for all, including Ukraine and EU
The meeting followed Trump's call with Putin
Ukraine and European leaders not present at
Tuesday's talks
Zelenskiy insists no agreements without Ukrainian consent. European leaders met on Monday
Read our roundup of the talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said NATO membership for Ukraine was unacceptable as was the appearance of NATO member troops - even if they were operating there under a different flag.
"We explained to our colleagues today what President Putin has repeatedly stressed: that the expansion of NATO, the absorption of Ukraine by the North Atlantic alliance, is a direct threat to the interests of the Russian Federation, a direct threat to our sovereignty," Lavrov said. "We explained today that the appearance of armed forces from the same NATO countries, but under a false flag, under the flag of the European Union or under national flags, does not change anything in this regard. Of course, this is unacceptable to us."
Summary
U.S. and Russia talks end after 4.5 hours
U.S. and Russia to appoint teams on Ukraine, plan to normalize relations
Rubio says solution must work for all, including Ukraine and EU
The meeting followed Trump's call with Putin
Ukraine and European leaders not present at
Tuesday's talks
Zelenskiy insists no agreements without Ukrainian consent. European leaders met on Monday
Read our roundup of the talks
