Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera has written an article saying that Russia has confidently taken the lead in talks with the US on security issues so that the dialogue between the states is on an equal footing
The author of the article, Giuseppe Sarchina, believes that by his actions Vladimir Putin is making it clear that answers to the proposals on security guarantees must be given as soon as possible.
“This time, the Russian president took the initiative, taking the American interlocutor by surprise. Putin immediately requested and received ‘direct contact’ with the American president. The reason? The Kremlin did not explain it, and Biden’s adviser admitted during a conference call with reporters that he did not have a definite answer, adding, however, that it was an ‘opportunity’ to inject fresh energy into diplomatic efforts”, – the journalist claimed.
As Sarchina noted, there are two points of view in Europe on the negotiation process between Moscow and Washington: some European politicians support the assumption of a “Russian invasion” and are convinced that behind Putin and Biden’s talk there is preparation for an armed operation. And other politicians perceive the question of Ukraine joining NATO not as positively as it is portrayed in the media by EU politicians.
“Putin intends to test whether negotiations can be conducted as equals. His main demand is well known: Ukraine must not join NATO. Biden has already clearly rejected it: Moscow cannot decide for Kiev and the North Atlantic Alliance. But the Russians know that many Europeans, if not repeating formal statements, are in doubt on this point, , – the author of the piece concluded.